Day Five Notes from Spring Fooball – Ohio State Buckeyes
4/5/1999 12:00:00 AM | Football
April 5, 1999
COLUMBUS, Ohio – The Buckeyes spent their third consecutive practice in pads Monday afternoon at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center. Head coach John Cooper indicated at the conclusion of the drills that the biggest surprise to date in spring camp has been the play of red-shirt freshman strong safety Donnie Nickey. “Donnie had two interceptions the past two days and he has been making plays,” Cooper said. With Percy King out (turf toe and is listed as day-to-day), Donnie has been making the most of his opportunity to play.” The team will resume practicing at 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, take Wednesday off and then come back with the final practice of the week Thursday, also at 3:30 p.m.
Donnie Nickey on Spring Camp
“Right now I am just looking at getting better. There are lots of position battles going on and we are all just trying to help each other out and have a great camp.”
Jr. DE Rodney Bailey on the Veteran Offensive Line
“We are seeing a lot of different looks. We feel that the defensive and offensive lines are the foundation of this years team. We [the two lines] know each other well and we are just trying to push each along.” One look at Bailey and one can see the hard work in the weight room he endured over the winter break. He is a muscular and sculpted 275 pounds after playing near the 260 mark last season.
The Middle Linebacker Battle
Senior Chris Kirk and sophomore Jason Ott are battling it out for the vacant middle linebacker position. Defensive coordinator and linebackers coach Fred Pagac: “Its too early to make evaluations right now. Chris probably has a little edge in the scheme and the total picture of what we are trying to do [due to the fact that hes been here longer], but Jason is working very hardcoming in on Saturdays even to watch film. Chris runs better than people think. He is a tackle-to-tackle player who is physical and plays very strong.”
Elfords Out
Junior center Drew Elford suffered a sprain of the lower back during Saturdays practice and will miss the remainder of spring drills, according to head trainer Bill Davis.
