5 things we learned from Ohio State football fall camp | Buckeyes Wire

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Fall camp is almost over for the Ohio State football program, and we've seen and heard a lot so far. From position battles to newcomers who are making a splash, the team is coming together. There is only a week left now before the start of the season, so it seems like a good time to take stock of where things are, including what we think we've learned so far through preseason camp.

A lot of things have changed with the program, like 51 new players, a new offensive coordinator, and some stadium upgrades, just to mention a few things, so it'll be interesting to see what happens when things kick off next week and beyond.

Here are five things we think we've learned so far through fall camp, just one week before Ohio State kicks off the season by hosting Ball State in the 'Shoe.

New Ohio State offensive coordinator Arthur Smith is cooking

By all indications, new offensive coordinator Arthur Smith has had a big impact on the offense. His NFL background has led to some schematic changes, an improved mindset, and collaboration with players — and it's not just the players on that side of the ball. Defenders have also mentioned how difficult it has been to identify tendencies and stop the offense on a consistent basis.

In fact, apparently the first scrimmage the team had against the units didn't go so well for the defense. Considering that side of the ball lost a lot of talent, that makes sense, but we all know Matt Patricia will have that unit ready to play. You add the skill on offense with the scheme and coaching of Smith, and this offense should be dynamic this year. OSU now has two former NFL head coaches running each side of the ball, and that's a significant advantage over other staffs.

Ohio State freshman running back Legend Bey is going to be a problem

There's a name that keeps popping up from players and coaches, and it's freshman running back Legend Bey. He's still got plenty to learn, and head coach Ryan Day mentioned ball security, but his explosiveness and elusiveness have stood out to anyone with a microphone and eyeballs. Heck, Jeremiah Smith has gone on record predicting he'll either win the Heisman or be a finalist before his career is done in Columbus.

Don't look for Bey to start ahead of Bo Jackson, and he could be used at receiver as well, but he's drawing comparisons to Percy Harvin, and he might be difficult to keep off the field because of the pressure he can put on defenses. It'll be interesting to see how often and where the coaching staff deploys this new weapon.

The Ohio State offensive line seems to be set and improved

The offensive line for Ohio State seemed good enough throughout the regular season, but once the postseason hit, the Buckeyes had issues with the really good pass rushers. First, it was Indiana in the Big Ten championship game, then again in the College Football Playoff quarterfinal Cotton Bowl against Miami (FL). The right side of the line was especially leaky.

Word out of camp is that the experienced line has been much more physical and punishing and has taken a step forward. It also appears as though there's been a reshuffling of the line, with Austin Siereveld moving to right guard while Ian Moore plugs in at left tackle. If the reports of improved play are true, this team might have what it takes to make another run.

The Ohio State defense might be even more versatile this year

One word keeps permeating some of the press conferences about the defense this year, and that word is versatile. It might be hard to believe because guys like Sonny Styles and Caleb Downs allowed Matt Patricia to do a lot with the defense last year, but we've heard this unit might be even more versatile.

The coaching staff brought in a lot of veterans at all three levels, and when guys have been playing football a lot, even with other programs, there's an understanding and ability to get a little more creative. We've heard that the depth, experience, and skill are there for the unit to be creative and game-changing once again this season.

There's serious depth with the Ohio State wide receivers

Wide receiver is a position group Ohio State has been the best in the country at — especially over the last decade or so. Having Smith put on his cape will be huge again, and look for Brandon Inniss to step up, but what about beyond that? Maybe the one-two punch isn't there like years past, but even Day himself has said that the group can go six deep easily.

You've still got that third spot up for grabs, but guys like freshmen Chris Henry Jr. and Brock Boyd, as well as transfers Devin McCuin and Kyle Parker, seem to all have made an impression as being productive if called upon. If this is true, it could pay dividends by keeping guys fresh and explosive throughout entire games and for the duration of what will hopefully be a long season.

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This article originally appeared on Buckeyes Wire: 5 things we learned from Ohio State football fall camp | Buckeyes Wire

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