Boeckman gets nod at quarterback for OSU

The fourth-year junior has thrown only 10 passes since arriving in 2004.

COLUMBUS (AP) — To the surprise of no one, Todd Boeckman will start at quarterback when No. 11 Ohio State plays host to Youngstown State in its 118th season opener.

“Todd Boeckman is the guy that’s going to have the first chance to go out there and be nervous and have some fun,” coach Jim Tressel said Tuesday. “He’s been waiting so long for this opportunity. He’s been studying hard, paying close attention. He knows who we are and what we want to do.”

Boeckman takes over for Troy Smith, who won the Heisman Trophy last season while the Buckeyes rolled to a 12-0 start before losing 41-14 in the national championship game.

The competition

The 6-foot-5, 235-pound Boeckman was listed No. 1 on the depth chart coming into spring practice, then solidified his position this fall over contenders Rob Schoenhoft, Antonio Henton and Joe Bauserman.

“What gives Todd the nod over Robbie and Antonio and Joe, I think, is his understanding of the whole system and all that goes into it,” Tressel said. “He’s just got so much experience.”

Boeckman may have more experience than the others in practice, but certainly not in games. He has thrown only 10 passes in six mop-up appearances since coming to campus in 2004. A fourth-year junior, he’s 23.

He’s never taken a snap with a game hanging in the balance.

“It’s an honor to be named the starting quarterback at Ohio State,” he said after Tuesday’s practice. “It’s pretty much a dream come true for me. But I have to go out there and stay focused and do what I need to do and lead this team.”

Boeckman comes from St. Henry, the same school that provided former Buckeyes quarterback Bobby Hoying.

Boeckman said it took him a while to feel comfortable enough to take over Smith’s spot.

Relaxation was key

“At first I was a little too tense, a little overly excited — I just wanted to do the right thing at all times,” he said. “As I started to get out there, I started to relax, stay focused and just prepare myself, take it easy, take it one step at a time, and try not to be too overwhelmed.”

Offensive tackle Kirk Barton said Boeckman gradually asserted himself more and more.

“He definitely progressed. He had a couple of good scrimmages and some good practices,” Barton said. “The biggest thing is no mistakes, no turnovers. That’s the big thing with all of our skill guys. As long as we don’t turn the ball over, we always have a good shot at winning.”

Tressel said Schoenhoft — also a jumbo-sized junior at 6-6 and 240 — will play against the Penguins. Henton is listed as third team, while Bauserman, a touted high school quarterback prospect before playing three years of minor league baseball, is regaining his footing after being away from the game.