Ohio State head coach Urban Meyer discussed everything surrounding the Buckeyes during his appearance on the Big Ten spring football coaches conference call on Wednesday, specifically about the starting quarterback battle, visitors for the spring game, and more.
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The transcript of quotes from Meyer's Big Ten press conference is below. The general questions are bolded, with Meyer's answers in quotes below.
On the quarterback battle and the importance of the spring game in that battle:
"All three are close. There are times where you wish you'd have one guy separate, but then it's certainly not because of poor performance because all three want the job. Some decisions will have to be made, but right now I can't name a one. I can't even name a three. Today was probably their best day of practice all three of them combined. Three good ones."
Will it be difficult to have a frontrunner after the spring game?
"I don't want to get too far ahead of ourselves and a lot of things I won't share with everyone else, what's going on in-house, but I've been in worse situations where you don't have one. We've just got to do right by the team and do right by the player."
On embracing the early official visits:
"We've kind of put the breaks on it a little bit. We don't have to have people visit that aren't going to decide until next December or even next January. That's a long time to hold someone. So we're being very selective. It's going to be interesting though. It's all new for everybody and we're going to knock out spring practice - we have a couple coming in this weekend - and then we'll have more lined up after the spring game. It's going to be interesting and I think timing is going to be of essence. If you're going to make an early decision, we'll consider an early visit."
On other position battles to keep an eye on in the spring game:
"At safety, Jordan Fuller's pretty secured on one. He played well last year and he has been one of our best players in the spring. The other safety spot between Isaiah [Pryor], Jahsen Wint, Brendon White, those are the three names involved in that one. We also have Tyreke Johnson coming in and Malik Hooker's brother, Marcus Hooker.
"And then the center position, I think Malcolm Pridgeon is starting to earn a little playing time here, so the offensive line, we still don't know how that's going to shake out. Brady Taylor has had a very good spring.
"And then the tight end position as well. Luke Farrell has kind of advanced in front of the other guys, but we're still trying to finalize that."
On what will be different about hosting official visitors during the spring game:
"Oh yeah. Much different. For example, during official visits in the fall, the worst part is Sunday because you're getting ready for the next game. Obviously, we don't have that issue. So there will be much more time spent with our official visitors."
On what he can do in the spring game to be interactive with official visitors:
"I don't believe you can have them on the field, so it'll be just like a game day where they will be in the stands watching and we'll have time afterward."
On Thayer Munford:
"He's not doing good things, it's great things. I'm a fan of Thayer. Thayer came from some tough situations. His mom did a great job and then he hooked up with this great coach and his wife. They really took a guy that was trying to find his way academically and just, football-wise, he has earned a starting spot. He's had a great spring. He's a great kid. There are some negatives in college sports but there's a lot of positives, and this is one of those positives. They gave this guy an opportunity, a couple of coaches and a coach's wife really got behind him. It's one of the great stories. He's got a long way to go but it's not a good story, it's a great story."
On having confidence to start any of the three quarterbacks:
"Not yet, but I think in time. Obviously, we don't play for another few months and they have to go through summer training and training camp, but with the proper development, yes."
On Tommy Togiai getting his black stripe off early:
"He did everything right. We've had a couple of guys that have [done it]. It's hard. Ryan Stamper, my player-development guy is watching this very closely and it's something we don't take lightly. He's got a wonderful family all the way from Idaho to come this far away, and to be the first black stripe guy, that's a heck of an honor. Just did everything right. He practices real hard, takes care of his academics, and he's a great guy to have on your team."
On depth at defensive tackle:
"I think we will. We don't have it yet. We got Taron Vincent coming in. Antwuan Jackson has been very limited. He had surgery on his foot about a month ago. He has not been where we want him. And we've had to have some guys miss some practice in there. Dre'Mont Jones has been elite, even better than he was last year. BB Landers has done some very good things. Davon Hamilton has really grown up, so we are getting a little bit of depth. I think it will be a strength once we have everybody full speed by fall."
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