By Steve Patterson
Starting
Wide Receiver Brian Robiskie had an offseason knee scope and is still
recovering. Not being able to fully participate in the spring practices has
been a challenge for him. “It has been really tough. I have really worked on
trying to be more of a leader and it is hard when you have to sit back and
watch.” Robiskie said.
Robiskie
has taken on more of a leadership role as younger receivers on the team look to
him for answers. “I like working with the younger guys. I’m not that much of a
vocal guy, but when the young guys just keep asking you stuff you grow into
that vocal leader.” He said about helping out the underclassmen at his
position.
In
Robiskie’s place several sophomores have stepped up their game including Devon
Torrence, Taurian Washington and Dane Sanzenbacher. “One guy that I have seen
that has really stepped it up to that next level is Devon Torrence.” Receivers
coach Darrell Hazell mentioned after the practice yesterday. “He is explosive and has been
working on both sides of the ball for us this spring.” That is good news as
Torrence did not see much action as a freshman but was considered one of the
better players within Ohio
of the 2007 recruiting class.
Hazzell
also said that Taurian Washington is really pushing for a spot in the fall. “He is getting better and better every day. He
is one of those guys that tries to do too much too fast. I sat him down and
told him 'Taurian we don’t need you tomorrow, but August 30 that is when we
need you to be ready.'”
According
to junior wide receiver Brian Hartline, Sanzenbacher continues to play well
after an impressive freshman year. “Dane is doing a really good job for us this
spring. He is staying consistent, working hard and playing fast. He is keeping
balance and becoming very comfortable with his role on the team.”
Hartline
also thought that his play had improved since last year when he caught 52
passes for 694 yards and 6 touchdowns. “I feel a lot better and improving
everyday. It is interesting to see how you grow after the season is over. I’m
becoming more comfortable and am ready to jump into spring.”
*Portions courtesy of OhioStateBuckeyes.com