By Neil Schmidt
The Cincinnati Enquirer

COLUMBUS - A summer that began with Maurice Clarett wearing the mantle of Heisman Trophy candidate will end with him draped in a scout-team jersey.

The troubled Ohio State tailback, who will serve the first game of his multiple-game suspension Saturday in the season opener against Washington, has returned to the team as a high-profile practice player. Coach Jim Tressel said Tuesday that Clarett wore a No. 24 jersey to represent Washington's starting tailback, Rich Alexis, during his first practice Monday.

"I think he was just happy to be with his teammates," Tressel said.

Tressel said Clarett would not dress for Saturday's game and would not practice with the first team.

"We're playing Washington; we're only going to work the people that might play against Washington on offense," he said.

Clarett talk continues to overshadow OSU's preparation for its defense of the national championship. Though the Buckeyes are facing the nation's 17th-ranked team, Tressel was asked only a few questions about the Huskies in his news conference Tuesday.

OSU athletic director Andy Geiger is expected this week to submit his recommendation to the NCAA about how many games Clarett should miss. Various reports have listed that number as likely to be between six and 10.

Asked if OSU could lessen the distraction by divulging that figure once it's known, Tressel waffled.

"As soon as it is definite, I think . . . the truth is always good to know," he said. "But I don't know that that should or will or could change the focus of anyone, because I sure hope everyone's focus is on the Washington Huskies and not 'X' number of weeks out."

Clarett, whom the NCAA is investigating for a series of allegations, is not being made available to the media.

The NCAA doesn't allow players to participate in full-contact drills until after being with the team for five days. Because Clarett attended team meetings Sunday, he could begin contact Friday. But the team is scheduled for a no-contact walk-through Friday.

"Maurice was in a helmet and shorts, so he went through the drills that you could do," Tressel said of Monday's practice.

Asked about how receptive Clarett was about dropping from starter to scout team, Tressel said: "It's not nearly as big a drop as not being out there with your teammates. So it's probably a promotion."

Senior quarterback Craig Krenzel, who said he spoke to Clarett frequently when Clarett was held out of preseason camp, said the sophomore was in good spirits.

"You could tell he was frustrated (before returning this week)," Krenzel said. "He missed his teammates. Right now, his goal is to do whatever he can do to help us win football games."

TWO STARTERS: The lone Greater Cincinnatians listed as starters on OSU's depth chart are senior punter B.J. Sander (Roger Bacon) and senior long snapper Kyle Andrews (Middletown). Sander replaces All-American Andy Groom as both punter and holder.

"B.J. has worked hard to fill those roles," Tressel said.

Other locals on the roster: cornerback B.J. Underwood (Hamilton), tight end Ryan Hamby (Moeller), receiver Mike Young (Middletown) and defensive lineman Brandon Maupin (Lakota West).

DON'T TAILGATE: Ron Michalec, OSU's campus police chief, appeared at the news conference Tuesday to announce police will aggressively enforce open container laws in parking lots in close proximity to Ohio Stadium on game days.

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E-mail nschmidt@enquirer.com