The Ohio State rumors that we wrote about yesterday turned out to be true. The school announced on Thursday that Joey Bosa, Jalin Marshall, Corey Smith and Dontre Wilson will be suspended for the season opener at Virginia Tech.
https://twitter.com/schadjoe/status/626801246960263168
To refresh your memory, here's a quick glimpse at each player's role…
DE Joey Bosa (6-6, 275, Jr.): Bosa is a starter at defensive end for Ohio State. With 21 TFL and 13.5 sacks he was a unanimous All-American in 2014. He is projected as a top 5 pick in next year’s NFL Draft, and he is the Preseason Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year. He is a huge loss for the Ohio State defense.
H-back Jalin Marshall (5-11, 205, So.): As a true freshman last year, Marshall was the second leading receiver on the team with 38 receptions for 499 yards and six touchdowns. He failed to catch a pass in only one game a year ago – Virginia Tech. He also had 25 carries for 145 yards and a touchdown.
H-back Dontre Wilson (5-10, 195, Jr.): Wilson caught 21 passes for 300 yards and three touchdowns last year. He also had 100 rushing yards on 18 carries. He is a productive player, but he missed the final six games of the season.
WR Corey Smith (6-1, 195, Sr.): Smith caught 20 passes for 255 yards last season. He was expected to be one of Ohio State's two starting wide receivers this season.
Marshall, Wilson and Smith were three of Ohio State’s top six receivers a year ago. Devin Smith, a senior last year, was also in that top six. That means just two of Ohio State’s top six receivers from last season will suit up against the Hokies. It would also partly help explain why quarterback Braxton Miller recently said that he’ll play WR/H-back this coming season.
Virginia Tech beat Ohio State 35-21 in Columbus last season, and then the Buckeyes went on to win the National Championship. This year's game will be held on Monday, September 7. It will be televised by ESPN at 8pm.