Though he hasn't gone as far as Al Golden and posted wanted signs up around campus, Urban Meyer has made no secret of the fact that he's in the market for someone to be the butter for the new spread attack that he is breaking the seal on this year in Columbus.
A successful season depends on it.
Here's a look at the top five most likely players to be the "chosen one" for the Ohio State offense for the 2012 season:
*Disclaimer: Jake Stoneburner will be a big part of the Ohio State offense in 2012, but we'll focus on looking at guys that fit the Swiss-army knife type of player that Meyer has historically had—and featured.
No. 5: Michael Thomas—WR, Freshman
A freshman on the list—really? Don't count it out. When the coaching staff nabbed Thomas on National Signing Day this year, they were already clamoring about getting a diamond in the rough to come to the Midwest from California.
So far in practice, the coaches have continued to preach about his abilities. Thomas has done well as an early enrollee to get up to speed on the offensive-scheme, and his ability to make consistent plays because his hands and coordination have impressed as well.
And in an offense where catching the flu in the dead of winter, standing in water, with no coat on was as chore in 2011, he'll get more than just a look.
No. 4: Corey Brown—WR, Sophomore
If it weren't for Brown's tendency to drop passes, he would likely be higher on this list. He has game-breaking speed and can shake his way open, but his route-running and ability to not just go up and make a play, but also to simply make the easy play has got to get better.
So is this a merely a question of gaining some confidence, or does Corey Brown just not have the physical tools and hand-eye coordination to blossom into something special? Time will surely tell as Meyer will certainly by trying to fit round, square and obtuse-shaped objects into any offensive holes he can plug.
Brown will get his chances to add to the 14 catches he had last year as a freshman—if he can hold onto the pigskin.
No. 3: Evan Spencer—WR, Sophomore
Notice a trend? The most likely playmakers in the Urban Meyer spread are going to come from the outside as a wide receiver. You may remember a guy named Percy Harvin who lined up in the slot as a wideout, and often caught quick passes in space but had plenty of carries coming around end as well.
Just like Corey Brown, the coaches have also had some nice things to say about sophomore Evan Spencer. He has the size at 6'2" and 205 lbs., and has shown flashes of freakish athletic ability with some of his catches.
The package is there, just his ability to learn the offense and continue to progress and show some more flash and dash will need to continue on the up-swing. He'll get every opportunity to separate himself, and if he can wiggle free in the two-deep, you'll likely see him often this fall.
No. 2: Devin Smith—WR, Sophomore
Yes, another returning wide receiver. At some point you have to believe that one of the highly touted kids that were recruited under the Jim Tressel regime are going to show the promise that everyone thought.
Count Devin Smith as one of those guys.
It would not be a stretch to state that the 6'1", 180 lb. sophomore has more ability than anyone else that the still young Ohio State team can throw out there. Meyer has already called Smith a "separator," and he has continued to impress—taking a pass from Braxton Miller to the pay-dirt from 45 yards out in front of a couple thousand spectators just this last Saturday.
Smith will be used, just how much is up to the rest of his body of work throughout the rest of spring ball and into fall camp.
No. 1: Jordan Hall—RB, Senior
This is not a newsflash. If you have been paying attention this spring—and prior—you probably already know that Jordan Hall is the most consistent and explosive playmaker that would come the closest to fitting the mold of the guy who could be used as a mismatch in a spread attack.
And that's what it's all about. Meyer's offensive philosophy is surely built on the spread, but more importantly, it's all about putting a guy in space, in one on one matchups to make plays. Jordan Hall can run the ball between the tackles, take it off end and his ability to catch passes out of the backfield are well-chronicled.
Look for Hall to be the main guy to be used by the coaching staff in the fall. He'll be split out wide, used to catch bubble screens, come around end for hand-offs with momentum and any other way the coaching staff believes will give him a shot wiggle free for big plays.
There we have it—a look at who could grab the scarlet and gray baton of the Urban Meyer offense in year one. If history is any indication, there is going to be a guy, and it won't be done by committee.
With the spring game upon us this weekend, how each of these potential linchpins show against competition in a close-to-game situation could have a big say in the natural selection process of OSU's offense version 2.0.
Only the strong shall survive.
You can follow Phil on Twitter @PhilHarrisonCFN
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