Scarlet Sunrise: Long snapper John Ferlmann sheds black stripe
Good morning, Ohio State fans, and welcome to the Scarlet Sunrise. Football will always be our focus, but every day we’ll cover news, notes and analysis from across Buckeyes sports. Join us each morning to get caught up on everything you missed in the world of Buckeyes football, recruiting, basketball and more in Scarlet Sunrise.
Long snapper John Ferlmann sheds black stripe
Ohio State long snapper John Ferlmann lost his black stripe Wednesday after starting his first two games with the Buckeyes. Ferlmann has handled long snapping duties on Ohio State’s punt and field goal teams the last two weeks. He replaced longtime Buckeyes deep snapper Bradley Robinson as well as Robinson’s interim substitute Mason Arnold, who transferred to Michigan State this offseason.
So far, so good for Ferlmann.
Most notably, he’s helped new place kicker Jayden Fielding get off to a 3-of-3 start on field goals.
Ferlmann committed to Ohio State back in December. He transferred in from Arizona State.
“He’s done a great job coming in and working really hard,” Buckeyes special teams coordinator Parker Fleming said in August. “That’s the No. 1 job you got to do is work. And he has.”
Fleming added: “He knows how to be a great teammate. He knows how to be a hard worker, a leader and then he knows when it’s really time to go to work. You don’t have to tell him twice. He knows. He goes, he gets his job done. He helps other people to get their job done at a high level.”
Ferlmann is from Phoenix, Arizona. It was there that he became a five-star prospect at Boulder Creek High School, according to Rubio’s Long Snapping, which also ranked him No. 7 at the position in his class before he got to Arizona State.
Ferlmann played 12 games for the Sun Devils last season. And now, after two starts at Ohio State, he’s shed his black stripe, officially becoming a Buckeye.
Ryan Day, Buckeyes confident in progress of offensive line despite early struggles
Ohio State head coach Ryan Day expects more from his new-look offensive line. He acknowledged that the group, which replaced three NFL draftees this offseason, has been solid in pass protection this season. Where it has arguably struggled the most, however, is in short-yardage run blocking situations.
“Overall consistency is something that we’re working on,” Day said. “And you know, we have to get better, but there was some improvement there. But we expect, on 3rd-and-1, 3rd-and-2, 3rd-and-3, to execute to get first downs.”
The Buckeyes have to improve fast. In Day’s words, they need to take that next step “like yesterday.”
After playing Western Kentucky this weekend, Ohio State makes the trip to No. 9 Notre Dame, one of the most physical teams in the country.
For the latest on the Buckeyes’ O-Line, go here.
Free safety remains a question for Ohio State ahead of matchup with Hilltoppers
The Ohio State secondary is going to be tested for the first time this weekend against Western Kentucky. Whereas Indiana took on a triple option approach in the season opener, and Youngstown State even ran the ball on third down six times last week, WKU will undoubtedly air the ball out Saturday.
That’s just what the Hilltoppers do. They’ve had the nation’s leading passer each of the last two seasons. At the moment, they’re tied for third in the FBS with 44 pass attempts per game.
The Buckeyes’ secondary will have to be on its A-game, and that includes whoever is lining up at free safety. That’s the question, of course — will Josh Proctor be good to go? If not, who steps in this time?
Lettermen Row explored that question here.
RELATED
Counting down
Buckeyes vs. Western Kentucky: 2 days
Buckeyes vs. Michigan: 72 days
Are you subscribed yet?
Are you ready to get all your latest Ohio State news in one place? Become a member of Lettermen Row today. With your Lettermen Row/On3+ membership, you’ll not only have access to everything that’s happening with the Buckeyes, but you’ll also be able to peruse other fan sites within the network to hear just how rivals are feeling about Ohio State, as well. Make sure to follow along on Twitter, Instagram and on Youtube for all the latest Buckeyes news you need to know.
