J.T. Barrett comes up huge: Buckeyes QB electric in win

I don’t think it took long for Ohio State and head coach Urban Meyer to realize the error of their ways in playing Cardale Jones over J.T. Barrett. Not when he’s throwing darts like this —

Barrett has proven over the course of the last 2 seasons that — when healthy — he’s not just one of the best playmakers in the Big Ten, he’s one of the best quarterbacks in college football. Of course, he has the help on this team of perhaps the best supporting cast in college football. Led by Ezekiel Elliott at running back, the Buckeyes’ skill players strike fear into any team they play, but Barrett enhances that where Cardale Jones did not.

Not only is Barrett proving to be the better option for the Buckeyes at the present time, he might be proving to NFL scouts that he’s worth the long-term investment at the next level as well. The 6-2 225 pound sophomore (NFL eligible in 2016) is efficient with the football, a phenomenal runner, and a very good passer downfield.

Some scouts have compared him to Russell Wilson, but I think Barrett has potential if he can grow in an NFL system to be much better. His physical tools are off the charts. His leadership skills are exceptional. You want to talk about a guy who had to step up as a ‘team player’ then you can look directly at this guy. He took a spot on the sideline after a Heisman-worthy run in 2014 when Cardale Jones led Ohio State to a CFB playoff and National Championship victory.

Opening the season with Jones at QB, Barrett could have easily gotten frustrated by that and moped on the sideline (see: Mallett, Ryan) but Barrett continued to work and prove in his opportunities that he was clearly the better option. We’re not talking about a run-of-the-mill backup QB here — this is a guy who threw 34 touchdowns in 2014.

I think Ohio State can win a National Title with Barrett, and I also think he will have the choice if he wants at the end of the season to return for another shot at a Title or if he wants to take his game to the NFL.

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