By Jon Spencer
(Mansfield, Ohio) News Journal

COLUMBUS - Ohio State running back Maurice Clarett is expected to meet again with NCAA officials, possibly before the end of the week, as the school works to clarify his eligibility in time for the start of the football season.

Athletics director Andy Geiger said a date has not been set but hoped it could be this week. Geiger did not have a timetable for the resolution of Clarett's case, which centers on allegations of preferential treatment in a class and questions concerning merchandise stolen from a car the sophomore was driving.

The Buckeyes hold their first practice today in advance of their Aug. 30 opener at home against Washington. Today is also Photo Day, but Clarett will not be included in the team photo.

When the defending national champions reported Tuesday for the start of camp, everyone wanted to talk about the one player who wasn't there.

"I think everybody is anxious to hear what's going on," senior tight end Ben Hartsock said. "Obviously, (Clarett) brings a dynamic to this team - in some ways good and in some ways bad. There's no denying that.

"But I know there are guys waiting in the wings (at tailback). I know Lydell (Ross) has had a great offseason and Maurice Hall has put on some weight, too, and is looking strong out there. If he's not there for a couple of days, OK. If he's not there for a couple of weeks, we've got guys who would start at any other school and be a dominating force."

Clarett, a sophomore tailback and favorite to win the 2003 Heisman Trophy, has been suspended from the team until the NCAA concludes an investigation into Clarett's eligibility as it relates to his financial dealings.

Among other things, the NCAA is believed to be looking into gifts Clarett might have received and the cash, clothing and electronic equipment he reported stolen from a car he supposedly was test-driving in April.

Ohio State is looking into an admission Clarett inflated the value of the stolen items. He is also the focus of a school investigation into charges of academic fraud.

Geiger said the decision to hold Clarett out of practices and other team functions should not be considered a disciplinary action.

"We have a real emphasis on team," Geiger said. "The issues that we're dealing with can cause a lack of focus."

Hartsock wondered if the repeated brushfires started by his star-crossed teammate could have been avoided if he and some of the other veteran players had reached out to the then-rookie last season.

"I haven't allowed myself to get a chance to know him and get him aside and ask what drives him and causes him to (attract trouble)," Hartsock said.

"... This team is very tight-knit and we know each other quite well, but Maurice has been kind of a loner. The key to solving things like that is to find out where his drive is, where his passion's at."

The bottom line is, if you're an Ohio State football player, you can't be too careful these days.

That's why quarterback Craig Krenzel took the luxurious gift pack he received at last month's ESPY Awards and treated it like a ticking time bomb.

"I just found out the other day (the NCAA) allowed it," Krenzel said, relieved he didn't break any eligibility rules. "When I brought it home I didn't look through it. I didn't know if I had to give it back or not. Everything's still in it. I zipped it up and put it in my closet."

Included in the gift pack: Microsoft software, a Playstation 2 and a certificate for Lasik surgery.