The first week of fall camp is in the books for Urban Meyer and Ohio State, and unsurprisingly, there are a number of huge storylines developing for the reigning national champions.The coaching staff is sorting through a number of key position battlesmost notably at quarterback as J.T. Barrett and Cardale Jones compete for the starting spot. But there's plenty more going on in Columbus, including a huge (and surprising) boost to the wide receiver unit and a few freshmen who are already making a strong impression.Here are the key takeaways from the Buckeyes' first week of fall camp.Quarterback Battle is 'Refreshing,' Not DistractingOhio State's quarterback battle was the hottest storyline of the college football offseason, and after Braxton Miller announced his move to wide receiver, it left Barrett and Jones to fight for the starting spot in fall camp.Speaking at Big Ten media days in Chicago last month, linebacker Joshua Perry said that the competition wouldn't be a distraction, according to Tony Gerdeman of the Ozone.Those guys are going to get after it and theyre going to compete and thats all that we ask for at every position, that the guys compete. You hear about it every time we talk about it but they really do care a lot about each other, so its not going to be one of those nasty competitions. Obviously I have a lot of faith in our coaching staff and what they can do, so theyll pick the best candidate for the job, but it will be interesting in camp to see what happens.What has happened, though, is exactly what Perry forecasted. Barrett and Jones' relationship is a strong one off the field, and they're pushing each other to be better in an amicable way on it. And because of that, Meyer is encouraged by what he's seen so far."They're both working their tails off, and it's one of the most refreshing competitions I've ever witnessed," Meyer said, according to Doug Lesmerises of The Plain Dealer. "When I say best friends, they're unbelievable how well they get along."This one is very genuine, because I've even witnessed it where guys are battling for a spot and I hear that (support) but I don't see it," Meyer added, via Lesmerises. "I mean, they really encourage each other, they push each other. It's unique. I think it's very unique."But after one week, there's no clear indication for who's leading the race. Meyer said that he plans to talk with offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Tim Beck to evaluate his signal-callers after the first week of camp. Either way, the starter won't be announced to the public until the first offensive play of the Virginia Tech game.Wide Receiver Corps Bolstered By...2 QuarterbacksWhen camp officially opened, all eyes were on Miller, the two-time Big Ten MVP, as he transitioned from his natural position of quarterback to wide receiver.He had an up-and-down day to open camp, showcasing his natural athleticism and playmaking ability while also highlighting his need for repetitions as a new member of the receiving unit. But as the week has gone on, he's grown more comfortable operating on the perimeter of Meyer's powerful spread offense.Its like playing a video game, you just put anybody anywhere, Miller said of Ohio State's offense, according to Tim Shoemaker of Eleven Warriors. For real.That much was certainly true for Torrance Gibson, the highly rated 4-star dual-threat quarterback who committed to Ohio State's 2015 class. Gibson was a highly covered prospect who was recruited by many schools as a wide receiver, but he chose Ohio State because he wanted to play quarterback.Fast forward to fall camp, though, and Gibson has mirrored Miller in moving to wide receiver."I told [Meyer] I want to get on the field," Gibson said, according to Eric Seger of Eleven Warriors. "I feel like if I sat on the bench I wouldn't be helping this team, I'd be selfish. That's not the type of guy I am."That move has given Ohio State's wide receiver unit a lethal 6'4" athlete with 4.4 speed. And while the staff envisions Gibson moving back to quarterback next year, they're envisioning his athleticism on the perimeter this fall."He has skills that most human beings should not have," wide receivers coach Zach Smith said, via Seger. "His size and speed is very, very unique."2 Freshmen Lose Black StripeOhio State's new crop of freshmen are trying to prove their worth, a task that's much easier said than done on a team loaded with talent. But when the coaching staff and the upperclassmen decide one of the first-year players is worthy of officially joining the team, theyceremoniouslyremove the piece of black tape on the freshman's helmet.Through one week of camp, two freshmen have lost their "black stripes."The first freshman to break through was Isaiah Prince, the 4-star offensive tackle who flipped from Alabama to Ohio State on National Signing Day. He's been so solid to start fall camp that he not only lost his stripe, but he's also already cracked the offensive line rotation.It didn't take much longer for Michael Weber, a 4-star running back from Detroit, to join Prince as an instant-impact freshman.With Curtis Samuel's move to H-back, the Buckeyes are short on depth at running back. There's Bri'onte Dunn, a solid fourth-year junior who stepped up during fall camp. Beyond that, there are only question marks on the depth chart, which has given Weber a special opportunity this fall.He's taking advantage of that opportunity, showcasing his blend of speed and power from the Buckeyes backfield.It's not like Ohio State needed another elite playmaker in it's offense, but it looks like it has one in Weber.All recruiting information via247Sports.DavidRegimbalis the Ohio State football Lead Writer for Bleacher Report. Follow him on Twitter@davidreg412.
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