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Wells says he's ready to play despite injury. Tressel feels optimistic
By George M. Thomas
Beacon Journal sports writer
Published on Wednesday, Sep 10, 2008
COLUMBUS: The most famous toe in Ohio is attached to the body of one Chris Wells — Akron native and star running back for Ohio State.
Wells went down in the season opener against Youngstown State with what looked to be a serious injury.
It later was discovered that Wells suffered an injury to the big toe on his right foot.
After sitting out the game last week against Ohio University, Wells will likely play Saturday against No. 1 Southern Cal in the newest ''game of the century'' as dubbed by TV network hypemeisters.
Teammate and defensive end Lawrence Wilson spoke with Wells last week and Monday.
''Beanie told me he was going to play, and when Beanie says he's going to do something, he does it,'' Wilson said.
OSU coach Jim Tressel knows having a healthy Wells will help his No. 5 Buckeyes, who looked lackluster on offense against Ohio, but he also is realistic about the injury.
''Coaches, in some ways we're optimists and in other ways we're pessimists, but hopefully we're realists. I thought he ran really well yesterday,'' Tressel said. ''I think the big thing has been Tuesday and Wednesday work and will that create soreness.
''So I have a lot of confidence in our doctors and trainers and strength guys. And not only was he running well, then they put
him on the bike and wore him out. So they're trying to do all the things — he's been in the underwater treadmill — and anything we can do, we're doing. I feel good about him.''
Lack of interest on Wells' part won't be the problem, Tressel said. Ultimately those trainers and doctors will make a final decision, but he said his running back knows what's at stake.
''He said to coach [Jim] Bollman and I walking into the meeting room on Monday, 'I'm ready to carry 45 times on Saturday,' and he's not going to carry 45 if he's not effective,'' Tressel said. ''I think he's like every other kid, he wants to play and he's going to do all he can do.
''And his effectiveness will be, in large part, based upon what the other guys do. If they block people, he can be effective. If they don't, it will be harder.''
And should Wells not be effective, his teammates still believe that they have what it takes to succeed against the Trojans.
''If you want to be a great team, you can't just rely on one guy,'' wide receiver Brian Hartline said. ''It [Wells' return] will help. A guy that competitive and a great football player, who wants to compete; it always helps to have the guy healthy on the field, but I think that one player can't define us if we want to be a great team.''
Pryor expected to play
Freshman quarterback Terrelle Pryor didn't play a lot against Ohio University, primarily because the Buckeyes played from behind for much of the game.
Things could be different this weekend because Pryor's blend of running and passing offers the perfect change of pace to counter an aggressive Trojans defense, which is led by inside linebacker Rey Maualuga.
''I think we do [play Pryor] because I think he brings a lot to the table,'' Tressel said. ''You try to script for success, and at least the best chance for it,'' Tressel said. ''The only thing that holds back a freshman from playing in my mind is if they don't understand what we're doing and, therefore, their physical abilities can't take over. And the thing I've been impressed with Terrelle is he understands what we're doing, so he'll have opportunities.''
Players of the week
Malcolm Jenkins was selected defensive player of the week for having an interception, three tackles and a tackle for a loss against Ohio. Dan Herron, who rushed for 50 yards and a touchdown, was the offensive player of the week. Shaun Lane, who recovered a fumbled Ohio punt return, was the player of the week on the special units.
George M. Thomas can be reached at sportswriterabj@sbcglobal.net. Read his blog at http://www.ohiomm.com/blogs/sportsblitz/.
COLUMBUS: The most famous toe in Ohio is attached to the body of one Chris Wells — Akron native and star running back for Ohio State.
Get the full article here.
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