Ohio State Projected Depth Chart 2017

With under a week left of the dreaded offseason, another year chalked full of expectation is upon us.  After a dreadful, nightmarish showing in last seasons CFB Playoff, Coach Meyer and company will prepare themselves for another run at the title.

Projected Starters for 2017:

QB:  J.T. Barrett

RB:  Mike Weber

WR:  Johnnie Dixon

WR:  Austin Mack

Slot/H-Back:  Terry McLaurin

TE:  Marcus Baugh

LT:  Jamarco Jones

LG:  Michael Jordan

C:  Billy Price

RG:  Brandon Bowen

RT:  Isaiah Prince

DE:  Sam Hubbard

DE:  Tyquan Lewis

DT:  Dre’mont Jones

DT:  Tracy Sprinkle

WLB:  Jerome Baker

MLB:  Chris Worley

SLB:  Dante Booker

CB:  Denzel Ward

CB:  Damon Arnette

Nickel:  Kendall Sheffield

S:  Damon Webb

S:  Erick Smith

K:  Sean Nuernberger

P:  Drue Chrisman

J.T. Barrett will return for the final chapter in his career.  Barrett will lead another talented offense in their quest for another title.  He will most likely hold every, if not most of Ohio State’s records and he will be able to obtain a few BIG records too.

Joe Burrow and Dwayne Haskins were neck and neck up until now, but due to an injury during practice, Haskins will serve as the backup QB.  This is a case of plain bad luck, and it really opens the door for Haskins to audition for the starting job in the 2018 season.  True Freshman Tate Martell is another interesting prospect who might just see some time during garbage time, but we will just have to see.

Weber will resume duties as the lead back of Tote Nation.  Behind him, he will have a true freshman, J.K. Dobbins to relieve him.  Dobbins has quite the following as he surpassed Antonio Williams and Demario McCall.

Zone 6 took a hit after Samuel and Brown left for the NFL, but the players that are on the team are sneaky good.  With the lack of a deep threat last season and a combination of poor play calling and the lack of confidence, the offense sputtered and was predictable.

This season will be different with Coach Wilson and Coach Day.  Both will provide a quick paced and high tempo attack that will leave opposing defenses gasping for air.  Mack, Dixon, and McLaurin are all speedsters that have big play ability and behind them are bigger stronger receivers like Victor, Harris, Grimes and Gardiner.

The O-Line returns 4 starters from last season, which helps Barrett remain upright.  The Slobs are all over 6’4″ with Price being the shortest of the bunch.  Prince was a liability, earned the title of starter at RG, but he is wedged between Price and Prince just in case he needs help.

The D-Line or the Rushmen returned the starters from last year and their backups.  They will terrorize teams with relentless pursuit.  Baker, Worley and a healthy Booker return to bolster their LB group.

The secondary proves to be of concern because they basically have to reload once again, after losing three first rounders to the NFL Draft.  Damon Webb and Denzel Ward return, but Damon Arnette, Kendall Sheffield will be the next two corners up, while Erick Smith will assume the other Safety spot.

Overall, I think the Buckeyes have what it takes to win the BIG onward to another Playoff berth, but crazy thing could happen as the season develops.  I will watch it as it progresses, but the talent is certainly there.  The drama has yet to unfold, but with the season fast approaching, I cannot wait to go through the emotions with you.

 

 

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