LOS ANGELES — Dwayne Haskins is familiar in his surroundings this week.
The East Coast native (New Jersey and Maryland) grew up thousands of miles away from Los Angeles, but he is visiting old sights this week.
Haskins attended a quarterback camp at the Rose Bowl and the week’s media obligations have been at the same hotel he stayed at for the Elite 11 camp. But instead of answering questions about his college decision, he’s facing inquiries about possibly bolting for the NFL.
“It’s a dream to play quarterback at Ohio State, and it’s a dream to play in the NFL,” Haskins said. “But I’m just worried about the game.”
Earlier this week, Oregon quarterback Justin Herbert, projected by many to be the first quarterback selected in the draft, announced he will return for his senior season, elevating Haskins to the top of the position’s pecking order.
“I felt like I was the best quarterback in the country regardless of what Herbert did,” said Haskins, who added he speaks with teammates all the time about what it’d be like to come back and win the Heisman Trophy and the national championship.
Still, it’s considered a foregone conclusion Haskins soon will make his own announcement — the opposite decision Herbert made. Details about discussions with coaches and family have been kept under wraps. Ryan Day did say everyone involved will vote to do what’s best for Haskins, even if it means Ohio State’s offense would suffer from his departure.
“This is not self-serving in any way, where you start talking somebody into coming back just because it’s self-serving for the program or for me. That being said, we obviously are going to present all the reasons why it would be great for him to come back,” Day said, smiling.
“I do think that he has a chance to be really successful in the NFL. When you look at what he’s done this season, it’s been very, very impressive.”
Haskins orchestrated a record-setting season, rewriting the Ohio State and Big Ten record books. Unfortunately for him, it came the same year Oklahoma’s Kyler Murray and Alabama’s Tua Tagovailoa scorched defenses every week.
The national awards didn’t pile up, but Haskins was named the Big Ten player of the year. He also has become the golden boy for NFL draft analysts. The accolades are humbling for Haskins, who said it serves as proof all the hard work was worth it, even when he wasn’t starting.
The preparation was most evident when Haskins embarrassed Michigan’s secondary, which was the best statistically and according to observers. That title now belongs to Washington. The Huskies have allowed 185.4 passing yards per game and only nine touchdown passes this season, intercepting 11 passes.
Cornerback Byron Murphy and safety Taylor Rapp were named All-Americans.
“Tremendous challenge,” Haskins said. “You definitely see the All-Americans on the defense. But Michigan didn’t really scare us, other teams didn’t really scare us. We feel like we’re the best offense in the country. But we know we’re going to get their best shot.”
HOMECOMING: Wyatt Davis’ trip home this holiday season wasn’t supposed to include playing time.
The redshirt freshman from Bellflower, Calif., 26 miles from the Rose Bowl, served as Demetrius Knox’s backup all year, with chatter about increased snaps.
When Knox suffered a season-ending injury late in the Michigan game, Davis’ time arrived.
“It means a lot just to be able to play in front of all of my family and friends, and even my high school coaches,” Davis said.
His first career start came against Northwestern in the Dec. 1 Big Ten championship game, where he helped protect Dwayne Haskins and create running room for the Buckeyes en route to a 45-24 victory. Ninth-ranked Washington will present a different challenge Tuesday, as the Huskies possess a stout defensive line.
Davis was a key member of Ohio State’s jumbo package this year, acting as an extra offensive lineman near the goal line and in short-yardage situations. The role served him well and started a campaign of sorts for more playing time.
“Once I found out I was part of that package, I was really excited because it felt like I was really contributing to the team,” Davis said. “I felt like I was ready. I came out there and played confidently and listened to what the other guys on the O-line said.”
On the first day of 2019, Davis will get a sample of how the year could unfold.
BUCKEYES AND BEEF: For 63 years, the Rose Bowl participants have eaten dinner at Lawry’s The Prime Rib in Beverly Hills for the Lawry’s Beef Bowl.
The red-carpet event is one of the most anticipated nights of the week. A marching band and the Rose Bowl Court is on hand, while the attendees consume 500 pounds of prime rib. The menu also includes creamed corn, mashed potatoes and gravy, and apple pie à la Mode.
“I don’t think you want all that beef in your system when you have a tough week ahead of you,” Ohio State defensive lineman Jonathon Cooper said. “This is special. I can honestly say I’ve never been a part of anything like this. I’m really having a blast out here.”
Ohio State center Michael Jordan was selected as the ceremonial meat cutter, donning a chef’s outfit and giving Urban Meyer the first cut of meat.
“It’s a unique experience,” Jordan said.
First Published December 29, 2018, 10:56 p.m.
