Urban Meyer offers perspective on Ohio State QBs, new NCAA rules

Credit: Matthew Stockman

Credit: Matthew Stockman

Ohio State football coach Urban Meyer spoke about quarterback and a couple of changes to NCAA rules Friday night in Columbus.

The Buckeyes mentor confirmed in the clearest language yet Dwayne Haskins will be his starting quarterback when preseason camp commences in late summer.

“Dwayne is the starter and Tate (Martell) is in full competition mode,” Meyer told reporters at the annual Ohio State football job fair. “Matt Baldwin is our three and he’s doing very well now.”

Haskins, a sophomore from Maryland, became the assumed starter when Joe Burrow transferred to LSU last month.

Meyer told the Pro Football Hall of Fame luncheon crowd in Canton in mid-May Haskins would get "the first opportunity to be the starter," and his latest comments further confirmed that intention.

RELATED: Urban Meyer talks about Ohio State QBs past, present and (potentially) future

In Columbus, Meyer also said he has maintained contact with Burrow, who graduated in May and is eligible for the Tigers right away.

“Joe did a lot for us, and we did a lot for Joe, so it was a very amicable relationship,” Meyer said.

The appearance was also the first for Meyer since the NCAA announced a pair of changes to player eligibility last week.

Beginning this fall, players will be able to play up to four games without losing the ability to take a redshirt season.

“It’s a good rule, and I’m glad they did that,” Meyer said. “It’s good for most importantly the student-athlete.”

Previously participating in one play meant a year of eligibility was used — unless that player later became injured and certain other specifications were met.

That is no longer the case.

“I think it’s just going to be easier (for coaches). Usually you play a guy early and then if they get hurt, you redshirt them,” Meyer said. “Now there is going to be, do you hold onto them until the stretch run when it gets really hard and you need them? Because usually when you get into the end of the season you’re dealing with injuries.”

Meyer also said the new rule preventing coaches from blocking transfers is good — as long as players still have to sit out a year before being eligible.

“I’m not a big fan of all the transfers,” Meyer said. “I think that’s an easy way out, but I get it. I’m a big fan graduate transfers. When they fulfill their obligation, go, but I also understand the other part.”

About the Author