Sunday, April 02, 2000
Ohio State QB brings confidence into spring practice
Bellisari expects improvement next season
BY SCOTT MacGREGOR
The Cincinnati Enquirer
COLUMBUS — Steve Bellisari was wearing the wrong jersey but looked more comfortable. He looked more comfortable in his role as Ohio State's leader and starting quarterback and more comfortable with the pressure of bringing the Buckeyes back from mediocrity resting heavily on his square shoulders.
Even comfortable enough with the media to switch jerseys with backup Craig Kenzel as a joke on reporters Saturday, the Buckeyes' first day of spring practice.
For a guy who was often under as much pressure from questioners as defensive ends last year — and that's saying something, considering Ohio State's weak offensive line — it was a sign that the talented but erratic junior-to-be's improvement will start with a winter's maturity and perspective.
Bellisari used the words “comfort” or “comfortable” in answering almost every question about the difference in his view from last year to this.
“I'm more confident in my self right now than a year ago,” said Bellisari, who entered and exited last spring locked in a duel for the starter's job with the since-transfered Austin Moherman. “It's my demeanor. I'm out here having fun. That's what you need to do from day one.
“Last spring, I was scared. I was coming out here trying to be perfect, and that can't happen. Now I'm more relaxed.”
That, however, doesn't lower the pressure; Bellisari believes it raises it. The Buckeyes finished 6-6 last season and missed a bowl game for the first time since 1988, and his rocky performance after earning the starter's job in the second game was partly to blame.
Though some of his statistics
weren't bad — 1,616 yards, 12 touchdowns, an average of 28 yards rushing per game — others were awful. He completed just 45.1 percent of his passes, threw nine interceptions and too often spent the game scrambling because the offensive line couldn't protect him.
The Buckeyes coaching staff chalked it up to inexperience and believes that with a year of development, Bellisari's performance with catch up with his talent. He has, they believe, the ability to be a Steve McNair-type scrambler who can lead Ohio State to a Big Ten title.
“I think it's more pressure (this spring),” Bellisari said. “The way we came off last season, we've got a lot to prove. And I'm putting a lot of pressure on myself. I've got to be that guy that gets everyone going.”
New twists in the offensive playbook should help. New offensive coordinator Chuck Stobart — promoted from receivers coach when Mike Jacobs was fired — won't change the overall philosophy but has added new plays to take advantage of Bellisari's mobility, his chief asset.
Expect to see more rollouts, which will get Bellisari out of the pocket and allow him to operate more freely, and a more multi-dimensional offense that will use more receivers, including more use of the tight end.
But what will matter most is how well Bellisari grows into the job in his second season as the starter. And if improvement is measured partly by maturity, Bellisari is already having a better year than last.
“Losing like that, you learn a lot real quick. It kind of puts you in your place,” Bellisari said. “We came off a season where we were 11-1 and were a great football team, and then a season like (1999) really opens up your eyes to what you have to do. It was the little things. We got away from Ohio State football: High intensity, hitting people in the mouth.
“I think as a quarterback, you've got to be that leader, that guy that gets the control and tries to get everyone going. I think right now, that's pretty important.”
LINDSAY INJURED
Kelton Lindsay, a sophomore-to-be defensive back who led Lebanon High to a state title in 1998, tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee during a pickup basketball game in December and is not participating in spring drills.
Three months after surgery, Lindsay is jogging on a treadmill and expects to return to the field by August. He also expects to challenge for a starting spot at either cornerback or free safety.
Sports Stories
