Former Athens High School quarterback set to command Ohio State in spring game.
The last time Joe Burrow played a football game in Ohio Stadium, he was suited up in green and gold and playing for the Athens Bulldogs in the state championship game.
Burrow threw for 452 yards and six touchdowns in a 56-52 shootout loss to Toledo Central Catholic. He ended his illustrious high school career with more than 11,000 passing yards and 157 touchdown passes, earning him a full-ride scholarship offers from many division one colleges.
But that was high school.
Now, when Burrow plays in Ohio Stadium on Saturday, he'll be in scarlet and gray and Ohio State's second-string quarterback.
Though it is just a spring scrimmage where the quarterbacks typically wear black jerseys and are unable to be hit, coach Meyer said in a press conference that he may let Burrow and other backup quarterback Stephen Collier play the majority of the game.
“I think we’ll let (Collier) and (Burrow) play a little bit,” Meyer said. “Those guys have been live throughout the spring.”
Meyer said giving Burrow a live look at a defense rather than protecting him is used to Ohio State's advantage. J.T. Barrett is the starting quarterback, but he will see limited action.
Meyer is not only looking to see what Burrow can do, though. He has seen Burrow progress since coming to Columbus in 2015 and has high praise for Burrow's development.
“(Burrow)’s doing pretty good,” Meyer said. “I don’t think he’s quite the athlete that J.T. (Barrett) is right now, but he’s becoming a much better runner. His release is night and day what it was.”
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