Ohio State is expected to remain one of the top defensive lines in the country. Even with three seniors leaving, Jayln Holmes, Tracey Sprinkle and Tyquan Lewis, and one early departure, Sam Hubbard, Ohio State has raw talent. The group is young and looking to make a name for themselves with hard footsteps to follow.
Headlined by Nick Bosa at defensive end. Bosa is looking to improve his 8.5 sacks and 19 solo sacks a year ago. He is already dropping jaws at his stellar performances and wants to continue his and his family legacy at Ohio State. In my opinion, Bosa will do just that. As he had to share snaps last year with second-round draft pick, Tyquan Lewis, Bosa will get plenty of playing time this season, and earn his top 5 draft pick.
On the other side from Bosa is another familiar name, Chase Young. Young saw playing time last year, but really only in garbage time. With so many older, more experienced players in front of him, it was hard to get him in. However, going into his sophomore year Young will get a chance to really show off his talents. Young has all the makings of being a top ten draft pick, and this year is the start of it. Splitting the snaps with Young and Bosa will be Johnathon Cooper, a redshirt freshman, and Jashon Cornell, a redshirt sophomore. Cooper is the third defensive end and will get the bulk of the playing time alongside Bosa and Young. Cornell can earn significant playing time if he shows up in camp and on the field.
The middle guys are the big question here. Dre’mont Jones and Robert Landers saw playing time last year and most likely will be the two starters at the defensive tackle positions. However, Antwuan Jackson is a transfer from Auburn. Jackson was going to commit to Ohio State or Auburn back in 2015 but chose Auburn at the time. Now in 2018, Jackson is where he belongs and will have a huge part on our defensive line. Haskell Garrett and Davon Hamilton are also “backups.” The coaching staff is loving the depth at the defensive line position and all these players could earn significant time this year. The coaching staff also loved Tommy Togiai the true freshman who had a great spring and is hoping to get in the rotation.
What I am expecting this year is the defensive line to continue dominating like in years past. The only real problem Ohio State has right now is creating enough game time to get all these players in. Ohio State has recruited well at the defensive end position ever since Urban got into Columbus, and with Larry Johnson at the helm the only thing stopping these players from making a name for themselves is themselves. Even with all the talent that has left in the last few years, the Buckeyes just keep on reloading.
Leave a Reply