Scarlet Sunrise: Ohio State completes second practice of spring

Good morning, Ohio State fans, and welcome to the Scarlet Sunrise! Football will always be our focus, but every day we’ll cover news, notes and analysis from across Buckeyes sports. Join us each morning to get caught up on everything you missed in the world of Ohio State football, recruiting, basketball and more. 

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Observations from Day Two of spring practice for the Buckeyes

The first phase of spring camp at Ohio State is complete.

The Buckeyes needed just two days of work to get through the acclimation period before taking a little hiatus, setting the stage for them to push the pedal down after spring break next week.

The most curious observer for that second workout? Former Ohio State coach Urban Meyer took in the Friday-morning workout from the sideline, checking in on the progress the program is already making in camp with Ryan Day.

What all was there to learn about the Buckeyes? Meyer’s eye is obviously much more keen, but here’s what Lettermen Row senior writer Austin Ward took away from practice No. 2.

J.K. Dobbins gearing up to be ‘The Back’ for Ohio State

There will be no debates about which tailback deserves more carries at Ohio State. There won’t be any alternating series of snaps. And there is no conversation about the merits of staying fresh versus finding a rhythm.

The Buckeyes are obviously months away from putting together a real game plan, but they only needed one practice in spring before making it quite clear that the running back position finally, definitively belongs to one guy: J.K. Dobbins.

“He’s The Back now,” Ohio State coach Ryan Day said on Wednesday. ” … His carries are going to be up, and he’s going to be the lead dog.”

Lettermen Row senior writer Austin Ward details how despite J.K. Dobbins feeling as though he took a step back last season, he is using that motivation to have his best year yet in 2019.

Predicting the Buckeyes 2020 defensive class

Welcome back to Lettermen Row’s 100-percent official, guaranteed to be entirely correct* “Predict the Buckeyes Class of 2020” series.

This week, director of recruiting Jeremy Birmingham discusses the defense for the Buckeyes — knowing that there are zero current commitments on that side of the ball for Ohio State. So, who are some options for Ryan Day and the future of the Silver Bullets? Let’s dive in.

And after last week’s official*** prediction about the offensive class and this week’s guarantee**** on the defense, you know how exactly how the Buckeyes class of 2020 will develop. It’s going to be a big and extremely talented class.

You’re welcome.

Kaleb Wesson out for regular-season finale

Ohio State men’s basketball coach Chris Holtmann said Friday that the Buckeyes will again be without Kaleb Wesson against Wisconsin on Sunday due to his current suspension. The sophomore forward was a dominant force on both ends of the floor before being sidelined for a violation of athletic department policy on March 1, and Ohio State has felt his absence with back-to-back losses. This will be the third-straight game without Wesson for the Buckeyes, and will again need to find answers for his production against a Top-25 opponent.

Ohio State tips off against the Badgers at 4:30 p.m. Sunday at the Schott.

Counting down

• Ohio State hoops vs. Wisconsin: 1 day
• Oho State spring game: 35 days

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