Ohio State Sports – FryingPanSports

Ohio State Buckeyes Set to Hire Billy Fessler as QB Analyst

June 17, 2024 by Steven R

Big news for Ohio State football fans! Word on the net (thanks to ESPN’s Pete Thamel) is that the Buckeyes are looking to bring in former Akron offensive coordinator Billy Fessler to coach their quarterbacks. Let’s see how this shakes things up for Ohio State quarterbacks.

The Fessler Connection

Billy Fessler is no newbie to the Buckeyes! He spent two years (2020-2021) actually coaching quarterbacks as a grad assistant at Ohio State. Then, he worked with QBs again and took his talents to Akron for two years (2022-2023). His skills must have been warming up because Chip Kelly hired him to coach quarterbacks at UCLA! However, fate intervened when Kelly left UCLA, and now Fessler is back in Columbus.

The Role of an Analyst

As a QB analyst, Fessler will be dissecting game film, analyzing plays, and working closely with the Buckeye signal-callers. His insights could prove valuable, with the hiring of Chip Kelly as the new Buckeye offensive coordinator. Kelly’s offensive skills are known, and having Fessler on board adds another expert to the coaching staff.

A Personal Connection

But let’s get personal. Billy Fessler started as a graduate assistant at Ohio State, then … Read more at FryingPanSports

Jayvon McFadden’s Journey on Buckeye Unofficial Visit

June 11, 2024 by Steven R

Sunshine filled the sky at Ohio State Stadium as Maryland great offensive lineman Jevon McFadden first stepped into the Horseshoe in Columbus. It was a long trip from Upper Marlboro, but totally worth it for McFadden at the mid-point of the 2023 season.

His visit coincided perfectly with a big game against Michigan State, and he was smashed by the Buckeyes! They were unstoppable on this day. But for McFadden, this weekend was about more than just winning. It was a chance to connect with the coaches, players, and entire Ohio State team – the people who fully immersed him in the program.

The Offer That Changed Everything

As the Buckeyes rolled over the Spartans, McFadden sat in the stands, soaking in the electric atmosphere. Coach Ryan Day and offensive line coach Justin Frye made their way to him during halftime. Their words were simple but carried immense weight: “Jayvon, we want you to be part of this family.”

When Ohio State offered him a spot, McFadden’s jaw hit the floor (or maybe the Horseshoe turf!). He could barely believe it. This wasn’t just any field; it was where legends played, and now he had the chance to … Read more at FryingPanSports

Fanatics Sues Marvin Harrison Jr. for Breach of Contract

May 19, 2024 by Steven R

So, a little drama is going down between a clothing company called Fanatics and football rookie Marvin Harrison Jr . Apparently, Fanatics says they have a deal with him in March 2023, but Marvin Jr. hasn’t performed yet. Marvin Jr. says there’s no contract at all!

Background

Fanatics and Harrison established a professional relationship in March 2023.
The company signed him to a multi-year, non-exclusive limited promotion and licensing agreement.
The alleged contract, worth at least $1 million, covered autographs, signed trading cards, game-worn apparel, and other marketing opportunities.

The Dispute

Fanatics contends that Harrison has ignored several requests to fulfill his obligations.
Harrison allegedly demanded that Fanatics match or exceed offers from other companies without providing details.
Marvin Harrison Sr., the Hall of Fame receiver and Harrison Jr.’s father, is representing him.

Legal Action

Fanatics filed a lawsuit in New York Supreme Court, seeking damages for the contract breach.
The company hopes the suit will compel Harrison Jr. to fulfill his obligations.
The dispute occurs while Harrison Jr. remains unsigned in the NFLPA group licensing agreement.

Conclusion

Fanatics is suing Marvin Jr. in court, hoping to make him follow through with the deal and get some money back. This … Read more at FryingPanSports

Ohio State Buckeyes Add Buffalo Bulls Punter Transfer Tony Venneri

May 12, 2024 by Steven R

The Ohio State Buckeyes only have one scholarship punter on the roster, but there will be competition this off-season. On Sunday, replacement punter Tony Venneri – who most recently played for the Buffalo Bulls – announced his commitment to the Buckeyes.

Veneri, who was Buffalo’s starting punter the past two years, averaged an 43.96 yards per punt in 2023, ranking 30th in the FBS in punting average notably -Broke his own single-season school record for average, earning Freshman All-American honors from the FWAA. The 6-foot, 225-pound punter from Hamilton, Ont., brings valuable experience to Ohio State as he enters a three-way race for the starting punting job with his competitors of red shirt freshman Joe McGuire and incoming freshman Nick McLarty , who at the moment is the only scholarship punter on the roster.

With Venneri’s commitment, the Buckeyes are poised to strengthen their special teams unit. As the hard work begins, fans eagerly await the upcoming season, hoping to see Venneri’s booming punts in the scarlet and gray. #GoBuckeyes!… Read more at FryingPanSports

Sean Stewart Commits to Ohio State: A Boost for the Buckeyes’ Frontcourt

May 3, 2024 by Steven R

Big news for Buckeye Nation! Former Duke forward Sean Stewart just committed to Ohio State for the upcoming 2024-2025 season. Fans are already hyped as this 6’9″ sophomore is a key addition to the Buckeyes’ frontcourt. He is in great need after 5 losses in the transfer portal this year.

The Decision

A top recruit in 2023, Stewart chose the Buckeyes over Georgetown and Cincinnati. Apparently, he really clicked with Ohio State head coach Jake Diebler, who tried to recruit him out of high school years ago. Diebler must have had a great plan for Stewart, because that, combined with the chance to play a bigger role on the Buckeyes’ team, totally sealed the deal for Stewart.

Stewart’s Duke Journey

Stewart’s freshman year at Duke was spent backing up some baller seniors, Kyle Filipowski and Mark Mitchell. Even with limited playing time, he showed flashes of his talent, averaging over 2 points, 3 rebounds, and even half a steal and block per game. Plus, he shot a super impressive 57% from the field!

In two performances, he scored 16 points against La Salle and 12 points against NC State. Great leaping ability allowed him to … Read more at FryingPanSports

Tommy Eichenberg: A Gritty Linebacker with Old-School Charm

April 28, 2024 by Steven R

Forget fancy footwork, Tommy Eichenberg is all about getting down and dirty on the field. In today’s NFL filled with sleek linebackers, Tommy’s like a classic record spinning in an age of streaming. This dude loves contact, throws himself into every play, and leaves his mark on the game, old school style.

The Raider’s Perfect Fit

Las Vegas grabbed Tommy with the 148th pick in the draft, and let’s just say it’s a match made in football heaven. Why? Because Tommy brings the aggression the Raiders crave in their defense. He’s all about the physical side of the game, and Raider Nation is gonna love it.

The Good, the Bad, and the Old-School

Let’s break down Eichenberg’s scouting report:

The Positives

Instincts Against the Run: Eichenberg reads plays quickly, positioning himself to take on blocks or make crucial stops.
Physicality: He’s strong and physical at the point of attack, extending against offensive linemen.
Linear Speed: When charging downhill, he creates stalemates or wins battles against fullbacks.
Tackling Technique: Eichenberg wraps up well, minimizing missed tackles.
Tampa 2 Coverage: His speed allows him to carry routes against tight ends in this scheme.

The Negatives

Lateral Movement: Eichenberg struggles

… Read more at FryingPanSports