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Center remains crucial position battle to watch at Ohio State

Austin-Wardby:Austin Ward06/21/18

AWardSports

Brady Taylor by Joseph Maiorana

The speculation, debate and conversations about Ohio State never end, and Lettermen Row is always ready to dive into the discussions. All week long, senior writer Austin Ward will field topics on the Buckeyes submitted by readers and break down anything that’s on the minds of the Best Damn Fans in the Land. Have a question that needs to be tackled? Send it in right here — and check back daily for the answers.

There’s a difference between potentially the most competitive position battle and the one that figures to be the most important for Ohio State, so this question is getting a second run thanks to the latter interpretation. And while the Buckeyes don’t appear to have the same embarrassment of riches at center as they do at middle linebacker, there’s still enough talent on hand for Urban Meyer to get what he wants from a position that he values nearly on the same level as quarterback.

And since every offensive snap starts with the guy in the middle of the offensive line, that makes firming up the decision in that spot probably the most important one Ohio State will make in August. The Buckeyes may now know that Dwayne Haskins is the pick to lead the attack, but he has no chance of being effective without some solid work in front of him.

Ohio State-Josh Myers-Ohio State football-Ohio State Buckeyes-Tate Martell-spring game-depth chart-Ohio State center

Josh Myers is making a strong push for the starting role at center for Ohio State. (Greg Bartram/USA TODAY Sports)

So, how will the Buckeyes replace back-to-back Rimington Trophy winners? The leader at this point is still Brady Taylor after his spring, and deservedly so for the veteran after waiting and developing behind two of the best snappers the program has ever had. Now a fifth-year senior, the Columbus native has been patient and just kept consistently working to achieve a lifelong dream of playing a meaningful role for the Buckeyes, and it looks like it’s ready to pay off in a big way.

Taylor did his part during the workouts in March and April and drew praise from the coaching staff as the potential starter, but that doesn’t mean he’ll be unchallenged in August. The Buckeyes have multiple blockers with positional flexibility that could possibly slide over to center if needed, something they experimented with already with Joshua Alabi this year. But the main push is going to come from Josh Myers, with the former 4-star recruit coming off a strong showing in spring camp after redshirting last season.

Myers fits that mold of an Ohio State linemen who could line up in all five spots if need be, but he really generated momentum during the closing weeks of workouts in April at center. If nothing else, he’ll solidify the depth for the Buckeyes at such a crucial spot and set himself up to be next in line to take over as the anchor of the attack.

But Myers might prove capable of claiming it now as he duels with Taylor in what will be a position battle that shapes the season for Ohio State.

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