McCall ready to put on a show

SAN ANTONIO - With no fewer than six future Ohio State Buckeyes on the field Saturday, many Ohio State fans will be tuning in to watch the Army All-American Bowl and looking for some excitement as they take a glimpse into the future. Future Buckeye slot/running back Demario McCall is no stranger to providing excitement as one of the nation's most versatile and electric offensive weapons. The 5-foot-10, 171-pound prospect has enjoyed his experience in Texas so far.

"Practice has been really good," said McCall. "It has really been a great experience. Probably one of the biggest experiences I've been through in my life. The guys out here are fast and it has been really competitive."

The competition in these all-star games is always a step up from what the players are used to facing in high school but McCall has welcomed the challenge and understands it's only going to get tougher as he continues to climb the ladder in the sport.

"To be honest, this isn't a high school football game on Saturday, it's a college football game," he said. "The coaches here are getting us prepared to play at the college level next year and getting us prepared to play a college football game on Saturday. It's really like a college experience football wise."

Some extra motivation for McCall is that his senior year had some bumps. The speedy back fought through injuries all year long that cost him several games and ultimately cost his team a potential deep playoff run. He'll have a chance on Saturday to go out with a bang.

"My senior year didn't go as I planned," he explained. "Most definitely (there's motivation to end things well) and I've got a big game on Saturday so I have to do what I do best."

McCall's role at Ohio State will almost be that of a utility infielder. The Buckeye staff has plans for him in several different spots and he wouldn't have it any other way.

"I'm going to be a speed back and I'm going to play the H position and sometimes tailback," he explained. "They're going to have me all over the place, punt return, kick return, in the slot, in the backfield, catching swing passes, that's the role that coach Meyer wants me to play and that's the role that I'm gonna play."

With the early departures of Ezekiel Elliott and Jalin Marshall, among others, there may be an opportunity for some playing time in the fall, at least that is the goal that McCall is aiming for.

"I'm definitely trying to get in the mix early," he said. "I want to get out there my freshman year. I'm excited to get in there and get my business done."

McCall's speed and versatility could lend itself to some early burn, especially on special teams, but there is one thing he feels he need to take care of before that can become a reality.

"To be honest I feel like I have the work ethic and the speed but the one thing missing is my weight," he said. "I need to put on about 10 pounds, maybe 15 pounds, and everything should be great."

McCall is the No. 78 overall player in the nation in the 2016 class according to Rivals.com.