Brian Hartline Updates: Quarterbacks Still Battling

COLUMBUS — Ohio State offensive coordinator Brian Hartline met with reporters on Monday. He talked about the Buckeye receivers, the ongoing quarterback battle, and much more. The highlights of everything Hartline had to say can be found below.

What are you seeing from the QBs: “They’re competing at a high level, which I appreciate.” Their preparation is apparent. They are very hard on themselves, which they need to be. The expectations here is the highest in college football. They’re chasing consistency, just like they are everywhere. “Really proud of where they’re at.”
How is the depth coming along at WR: There is definitely a group forming. How deep? Not sure yet. Very encouraged by the freshmen. They make mistakes and then fix them. They’re making plays. Could be more consistent, but they do well in meetings.
How have you challenged Jeremiah Smith and where can he grow? “He doesn’t operate like that. He operates beyond his years.” He’s chasing finite growth that isn’t always seen on film. He’s chasing football IQ, defensive structure.
On Tyler Bowen as a recruiter: He’s a great dude. Enjoys talking to him and being around him. He’s good with leverages and strike points. He connects well with people. Been impressed with the number of recruits that have visited. He’s put a lot of time and effort into it and it’s definitely showing.
Increasing Jeremiah Smith’s route tree: “Just asking JJ to do everything.” You don’t want to put him or Carnell Tate in a box. You want to make sure he’s equipped with every tool necessary to succeed at this level and the next.
Surprised the QBs went live? “I’m surprised it was even a conversation. They should always be live.” At least in the spring. Quarterbacks should want to be live so they can show everything they can be. That being said, he knows his vote won’t always end up as part of the final decision.
It’s a blessing to be able to help Jeremiah Smith handle expectations and attention. He’s done a great job on his own. He doesn’t need much help. When it comes to photos and autographs: “I’m always trying to be the bad guy for him because he’s not going to be.”
What allowed Quincy Porter to lose his black stripe? Making plays consistently and having a professional approach. He didn’t have any say in it. It was teammates and other coaches saying it was time to get his stripe off. When your teammates are going to bat for you, that’s the ultimate sign of respect.
Austin Siereveld has been awesome. He’s played everywhere. You watch film of him and his name only gets brought up in good ways because he’s very consistent in everything he does.
How do you keep these guys grounded after winning a championship? Last year they were building the map. Now they have the map, but it doesn’t mean it will get you to the same place. What they know is that they don’t want to put in a ton of effort and NOT reach their goals. The motivation will be there. The clarity of message has been received. There is no looking back. Everybody knows this team hasn’t accomplished anything.
Who are the leaders of the WR room: Carnell Tate and Brandon Inniss. They are the most outspoken. They’re doing a good job. Tate is pulling guys aside and helping them out. He saw the impact that Emeka Egbuka made, and you can’t lose his leadership and have a better room, so that role needs to be filled. Tate is making sure they still have that.
On the RBs: You have to have depth at the position. The ability to complement each other is really important. Been very impressed with Sam Williams-Dixon and Bo Jackson and how they’ve come along. Carlos Locklyn has been on everybody. They’re working hard on pass protection because they saw how effective it was last year. Nobody wants to be a guy that needs to be subbed out because you can’t pass pro. Really excited about James Peoples and CJ Donaldson. The floor is pretty high. “Very encouraged.”