I don't know if I'll ever get the time to write a proper summary of our conversation with the coach, so I'll add short notes here as they come to mind --
Bowden said he has 5 "solid" offensive linemen, and two others that he feels will be at a serviceable level come Fall 2012.
Bowden was as clueless as any of us regarding what he could or could not do regarding an association with Jim Tressel. As time has progressed, he's learned that he can do quite a bit... much more than he originally anticipated. Tressel can't play AD. That's clear. Tressel can't coach football, period. But he can meet with recruits. He can meet with the coaches. And Bowden has no ego...he wants to win, and if he can use Jim Tressel, legally, to help the Zips win, he's going to do it. He views Tressel as a great resource. One that other coaches in Ohio would kill to have.
He said Jamel Turner is academically eligible, and his fingers are crossed that he is as-advertised. We probably won't know much more on Turner until August.
Regarding the kicker (Fox) - Bowden, politely-as-he-could, simply stated kickers are a different breed than "position players", and he was as surprised as anyone that Fox departed. Perhaps Fox was miffed that Bowden put the kicking job up for grabs this summer. He is confident the kid from Cincinnati will be a solid replacement.