Ohio’s Mr. Football displays speedy talent for Buckeyes

Piqua’s Brandon Saine was one of several freshmen who looked sharp for OSU.

By JOE SCALZO

VINDICATOR SPORTS STAFF

COLUMBUS — The game was almost three quarters old and the 105,000 people packed into Ohio Stadium hadn’t seen much more than a glimpse of Brandon Saine’s potential.

Then, on a first down run at Youngstown State’s 15, Saine exploded through the left side of the line and dashed to the end zone, showing off the type of talent that made him Ohio’s Mr. Football at Piqua last season.

Alas, the touchdown was called back due to a holding penalty.

But hey, it was still impressive.

“We know he’s a burner,” Ohio State lineman Kirk Barton said. “He stepped in and gave us another dimension today. We in the offense were real happy about that.”

Several rookies played well

Saine, who finished with 42 yards on 10 carries and a touchdown, was one of several freshman who played well on Saturday, giving fans a glimpse of what’s to come.

“It was amazing,” Saine said of his experience. “I was trying to be cool, trying not to jump around and get too caught up in a crazy situation.”

Although Chris Wells is the unquestioned starter at running back, Saine will battle Maurice Wells (eight carries, 46 yards) for carries this season. There’s similar competition at wide-out, where freshman Dane Sanzenbacher stepped in and caught two passes for eight yards.

True freshmen Devon Torrence (a heralded recruit from Canton South) and Taurian Washington also caught passes.

Tressel lauds freshman pair

“They were real solid,” Ohio State coach Jim Tressel said. “Dan and Devon Torrence, I think, are going to be excellent players.

“They’ve had a chance to get in there and learn the system and it will be fun to watch.”

Freshman defensive end Cameron Heyward also saw time and said his classmates “were all cheering for each other. It is very exciting for all of us.”

The Buckeyes will need contributions from several of them if they want contend for another Big Ten title, especially after losing several top juniors to the NFL.

As Tressel knows, talent doesn’t always stick around all four years in Columbus.

“When you get an opportunity, you [have to] take advantage of it,” Tressel said.

scalzo@vindy.com