Joshua Perry wants no part of determining Ohio State’s starting quarterback.
“Heck, no,” the Buckeyes linebacker said. “They don’t pay me the big bucks. You’ve got two quality guys. Take the football out of it, and they’re guys you want to spend time with.”
Offensive tackle Taylor Decker also is content to let the coaches decide.
“Their approach works,” he said. “It’s not a theory. It’s a testimony. Last season we saw it.”
Did we ever. Braxton Miller went down before the season and was replaced by the Big Ten’s highest-rated quarterback. J.T. Barrett went down in the regular-season finale against Michigan and was replaced by a giant who can chuck it 50-plus yards from his knees and leapfrog defensive backs.
As Cardale Jones was flinging touchdown passes to beat Wisconsin, Alabama and Oregon in the national title game, people began to wonder: How good is the fourth-string guy?
With Miller voluntarily moving to H-back, coach Urban Meyer’s decision is down to Barrett and Jones.
Barrett is the serious one, the older brother. He summarized his summer activity this way: “A lot of ball.”
Jones is the fun one, the class clown, a guy who also might rate in the top five among quarterbacks — NFL quarterbacks — in terms of talent.
His summer, as well-documented by social media, included a trip to the ESPY Awards, a Twitter flirtation with UFC champ Ronda Rousey and grabbing the mic at a Bulls-Cavaliers playoff game (with teammates) and hollering: “Let’s go, Cleveland! Bring another championship to Ohio!”
That contrast in personalities adds to the difficulty in making a decision. Is Meyer wary of upsetting one faction of the locker room?
“I’m not,” he replied before giving it more thought. “I shouldn’t say that. I am. But I like the culture of our team right now, and we’re going to play the guy that helps us win.”
The truth is, Ohio State can win with either guy, can repeat as national champion with either guy.
But Meyer has to pick someone, unless he turns the job into a ride-share program. Asked if he might play two quarterbacks, his only reply was: “I don’t know.”
Hmmm ….
Although the smart money is on the steady-as-he-goes Barrett to win the job, Meyer said it’s a “straight even” competition and even had quarterbacks coach Tim Beck flip a coin to determine who would get the first practice rep.
Meyer said he and his staff will decide by “keeping score of everything” throughout fall camp — including leadership, weightlifting and academics. Plus the coach will trust his gut.
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“Other than the difference in the way they look,” he said, “I don’t think their skill sets are all that far off. I’ve heard the comment that Cardale is a much better down-the-field thrower. There may be some truth to that, but … it’s what the defense dictates.
“It just so happened, for example, that in the Wisconsin game (Jones’ first start), they were pressing man, forcing you to throw over the top. If it’s a soft zone, you work underneath.”
Jones’ advocates point out Ezekiel Elliott flourished after Barrett went down. Elliott gashed Wisconsin, Alabama and Oregon for 220, 230 and 246 rushing yards after churning out 91, 107 and 121 in the previous three games.
Barrett’s allies believe he’s a better rusher, and Meyer’s offenses are best with a mobile QB.
Either way, Meyer will be benching a terrific and accomplished player. No wonder he doesn’t even plan to make an announcement. Rather, the world will know around kickoff on Sept. 7, when the Buckeyes take on Virginia Tech in a dicey road game.
“Whoever they choose,” Decker said, “there will be a ton of criticism.”
Glad you’re not choosing?
“Oh, yeah,” Decker replied.
Buckeyes at a glance
Reason to believe: Talent. Make that TALENT. NFLDraftScout.com projects eight Ohio State players will get picked in the top 50: DE Joey Bosa (1), QB Cardale Jones (16), OT Taylor Decker (18), RB Ezekiel Elliott (20), DT Adolphus Washington (26), WR Michael Thomas (29), S Vonn Bell (34) and LB Joshua Perry (50). No other team projects to have more than four in the top 50.
Reason for doubt: The one-game suspensions of Bosa and offensive weapons Jalin Marshall, Dontre Wilson and Corey Smith put the season opener at Virginia Tech at risk. And if Meyer’s choice at quarterback struggles, will that divide the team?
Big hole to fill: Without Bosa for the opener, the Buckeyes might slide the 6-foot-4, 254-pound Perry to the front line.
Breakout player: Perry calls sophomore LB Dante Booker, who could replace him for the Virginia Tech game, a “freak of nature.”
Season is a success if … The Buckeyes win their ninth national championship. And, as a bonus, if Jones and J.T. Barrett remain friends.