Spring football round-up

By Scott Wright

I’m sleep-deprived and downing Red Bull faster than Mike Gundy as I enter my third week as a father, but forging ahead — and with a break from diaper duty — I bring you this OSU football blog with a few quick-hitters from spring football and other things.

* First, here are a couple great stories on former OSU defensive back Martel Van Zant, who you may remember, is deaf. He’s getting ready to begin the arenafootball2 season with the Manchester (N.H.) Wolves, and don’t be surprised if he gets a shot at the NFL someday. I know the Tennessee Titans still really like his ability. Anyway, here’s a story from the af2 Web site, and another from CBS Sportsline’s Lesley Visser.

* No updates yet on Donte Foster of Guthrie, though it seems very likely he’ll be a Cowboy eventually. One detail that can’t be forgotten: OSU could have a scholarship come open, either by dismissal of a player (Bo Bowling is on trial for misdemeanor and felony drug charges) or non-qualification of a signee in the 2009 class. So don’t rule out the possibility of Foster getting offered a scholarship before next season begins.

* The buzz of spring camp has been splilt between receiver Justin Blackmon and the defensive line.

Blackmon was gaining attention last season on the scout team and continues to impress. He could very likely find his way onto the field opposite Dez Bryant this fall.

New defensive coordinator Bill Young has been very impressed with his new defensive line, particularly Derek Burton, who has moved from end to tackle. And Young isn’t too worried about the end spot without Burton. He feels the depth is there with Ugo Chinasa, Jeremiah Price and Jamie Blatnick. Richetti Jones and Darius Hart will also compete for playing time.

At tackle, Swanson Miller is slotted as the starter at nose guard alongside Burton. Young is still trying to find a home for Nigel Nicholas, the redshirt freshman who continues to improve. And Chris Donaldson’s name keeps coming up in post-practice interviews. Young loves his speed off the ball.