Ray Small

We caught up with offensive coordinator Jim Bollman on Monday to discuss the absence of wide receivers Duron Carter and Ray Small for the Rose Bowl. Carter is out due to an academic suspension, while Small reportedly violated a team policy.

“I think that Lamaar Thomas, Flash, has been doing most of the stuff and so has Taurian Washington,” Bollman said. “Those are the guys who have been getting most of the work. They’re doing a good job. Like any of us, if we got more reps out there we’d do a better job, too. Their true test will come on Friday and see how things are going when they are really live.”

Junior wideout Dane Sanzenbacher talked about pressing on without Carter and Small.

“They would go back and forth with who was the number three guy,” Sanzenbacher said. “They were both out there making plays and they will be missed within our offense. But at the same time, we have some guys who are capable.

“We’ve talked a lot about Taurian and Lamaar as guys who have stepped up. They’re ready to be in this situation. They’re mentally prepared.”

Thomas had one catch in the regular season, while Washington never caught a pass all season. Sanzenbacher was asked how much they could be expected to play.

“I don’t know how the coaches will approach it,” he said. “I think when we get in three-wide receiver sets, you’ll see one of those guys out there.”

In terms of the punt return game, Small led OSU with 33 returns and Carter had two. Sanzenbacher (two returns) and DeVier Posey (one return) were the only other Buckeyes to field punts in 2009.

“I believe it’s going to be DeVier,” Sanzenbacher said when asked about who will be the punt returner. “I don’t know what the coaches are going to do. One of us will be back there, though.”

Bollman was asked what Carter, just a freshman, needs to do to get back in the fold for spring football and beyond.

“I have not personally talked to him myself,” Bollman said. “I am sure he will come back from that. I would be disappointed if he doesn’t. That’s not the first time that has happened to a guy in this situation. You have to learn from it, first of all, and make amends.

“You have to get done what you have to get done. We know he can play football. He just has to get back in the saddle and go.”

As for Small, the coaching staff bent over backwards the last four years to keep him on the team after various off-the-field issues. Bollman shared his reaction to the news he would be ineligible for the bowl game.

“My first reaction was we were losing a great kick returner,” Bollman said. “That would be one area we would have to shore up far more than at wide receiver. He was a good speed guy and a good athlete and experience guy. Those are things that happen and we just have to adjust just as if he was injured.

“I thought he did a good job this year coming back and helping us. He made some key plays. I just feel bad for him and his situation that he doesn’t get to experience this with the rest of the guys.”