Ohio State's Mike Brewster isn't satisfied that he won the starting center job as a true freshman last year. And now entering his sophomore year, he has high expectations to say the least. We checked in with him for much more.
Ohio State fans might have been impressed that Mike Brewster was able to start the final 10 games of the season at the demanding center position as a true freshman last season.
However, Brewster (6-5, 300) wasn’t all that enthralled with his play. And now entering his sophomore season, he has lofty goals for himself.
“I’m expecting 100 percent improvement,” Brewster said. “I wouldn’t say I had a bad season last year, but I wouldn’t say I had a great one either. I made a lot of improvements from the Troy game (first start) to the Texas game for sure, so it was a good base. It’s really taken a full year to get the offense set in my mind and for me to be comfortable making all the calls and stuff.
“So, I’m a lot more confident and a lot more natural now. I’m not like a robot out there like, ‘What do I have to do now?’ I’m just out there playing football and it’s exciting to finally get a grasp and wrap your mind around the offense.”
Ohio State’s offensive line was dealt some bad news last Friday when junior left guard Justin Boren suffered a sprained MCL. However, the team is expecting Boren will be able to return in time for the season opener against Navy on Sept. 5. And unless he has a setback, he certainly should be ready for the showdown at USC on Sept. 12.
If Boren is able to return healthy and Brewster makes vast improvements to his game, they could be a very productive tandem for the Buckeyes.
“It’s a good tandem,” Brewster said. “And B.B. (Bryant Browning) at right guard, he’s been doing really well too. I’m excited to be able to play next to both of those guys. B.B. looks good. Everyone on the line is a lot leaner and stronger.
“And going back to Justin, he’s a hell of a football player. He brings that nasty mean streak and he’s got a lot of natural instincts too. I know he’s ready to get back on the field because I know last year was hard for him sitting out (after transferring from Michigan). We’re really excited for this year up front.”
Presuming Boren’s injury is not serious – and all indications are that it’s not – by far the biggest question mark for Ohio State on the offensive line is the left tackle spot where a sure-fire starter has still not emerged. It will likely come down to sophomore Mike Adams (the favorite) and junior Andy Miller. Although, if neither of them are getting the job done and senior Jim Cordle is playing well at right tackle, sophomore J.B. Shugarts (Cordle’s backup at RT) could get a shot at left tackle.
Brewster gave his take on the battle at left tackle.
“Well, I expect a lot of competition throughout camp for the next couple weeks and may the best man win,” he said. “So, whoever studies the most and performs the best is going to earn the spot.”
But isn’t it concerning that the Buckeyes are closing in on the season opener and they still don’t know who will be protecting sophomore quarterback Terrelle Pryor’s blindside? Shouldn’t the situation be settled by now?
“It will be settled and I’m not really worried about it,” Brewster said. “Whoever wins it is going to do a good job. We don’t have any ‘Joe Schmoes’ that can’t play. We’ve got a lot of talented guys on the O-line and that makes you feel confident.”
