Fickell won’t tip hand on quarterback

Published 2:38 am Friday, August 19, 2011

The Associated Press

COLUMBUS — Ohio State coach Luke Fickell said there are plenty of starting spots open heading into Saturday’s jersey scrimmage in Ohio Stadium, including the replacement for quarterback Terrelle Pryor.

“We’d like to say all of them but there’s a lot,” Fickell said when asked Thursday how many job are at stake.

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He was noncommittal again when pressed if senior quarterback Joe Bauserman and freshman Braxton Miller have separated themselves from the competition. For the second straight practice that was open to the media, they took the bulk of the snaps with the top units ahead of redshirt sophomore Kenny Guiton and redshirt freshman Taylor Graham.

Fickell, who turned 38 Thursday, said the jersey scrimmage is important for all four contenders.

“Every day is a critical moment for those guys; just showing their poise, showing their leadership and showing their competitive nature. But it isn’t every day you’re completely live,” he said. “You don’t go as much live as you used to, probably. A jersey scrimmage is when you go live.”

Redshirt sophomore running back Jaamal Berry had his left upper leg wrapped in ice with an undisclosed injury and did not practice during the session open to the media.