Ohio State Football Should Consider Redshirting Torrance Gibson

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Torrance Gibson Ohio State Football
Steve Dykes-USA TODAY Sports

Since Urban Meyer took the reins at Ohio State, he has ignited a recruiting renaissance of sorts in Columbus and the rest of the Big 10. Due to Meyer’s recruiting prowess, especially in the state of Florida, the Buckeyes have their latest elite prospect in Torrance Gibson. With Gibson already indicating his commitment as a quarterback, it would be in the best interest of the program to redshirt him in 2015.

Though technically recruited under the “athlete” label, Gibson is most suited to be a quarterback. Therefore, any talk of possibly converting him to a wide receiver or anything else is strictly off the table. Gibson spent most of his high school career at American Heritage High School in Plantation, Fla., where he compiled over 1000 yards passing and rushing in his senior season.

His skill set as a dual-threat quarterback is reminiscent of many former quarterbacks coached or recruited by Meyer such as Tim Tebow, Cam Newton, Braxton Miller and J.T. Barrett. Given Meyer’s long history of success in developing quarterbacks with the ability to run and throw, Ohio State fans should be brimming with confidence that Gibson will continue that run of success.

The overarching question with Gibson is not his physical tools or what position he will play, but when exactly he is expected to take over at quarterback.

Obviously, Gibson will not see any playing time likely at any point this season since three equally talented quarterbacks are already above him on the depth chart. With Miller, Barrett and Cardale Jones locked in a competition for the starting quarterback job, whomever emerges as the starter will be backed up by two incredibly competent athletes.

That said, the Ohio State coaching staff should strongly consider redshirting Gibson to ensure that he has an extra year of eligibility. Though he will not receive any playing experience in 2015, he can still have ample opportunities to learn all the tricks of the trade under three talented players and under the direction of a effective coaching staff.

With Miller only having one year of eligibility left and Jones likely heading off to the NFL after the season, Gibson will likely only be competing with Barrett for the starting job in 2016. At that point, he will have a full offseason to prepare himself as a possible starter or a capable backup in the event that Barrett gets injured again.

Gibson is a budding star for the Buckeyes, but the team should take the time in developing him. The program is no reason to hurry, so it is best to wait it out and ensure Gibson has four full years of eligibility.

Dan is a Big 10 Football Beat Writer for www.RantSports.com. You can follow him on Twitter @danescalona77.

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