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LGHL Ohio State Football Countdown: 27

Ohio State Football Countdown: 27
Gene Ross
via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


Ohio State v Northwestern

Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images

One play or big moment per day as we count down to the start of Ohio State’s 2023 football season.

As we count down to the start of the 2023 season, we will be looking back at one play or big moment in
Ohio State history over the past decade or so that corresponds to the remaining days left until Buckeyes take the field against Indiana on Sept. 2. There are 27 days remaining.


Play of the Day: Miyan Williams’ 27-yard TD vs. Northwestern (2022)


You want to talk about an ugly football game? Ohio State was firmly entrenched in one of those as they battled through a monsoon against Northwestern this past season. On a day where C.J. Stroud managed to throw for just 76 yards, the Buckeyes needed every bit of Miyan Williams’ 111 yards and two touchdowns on the ground — one of which was this go-ahead 27-yard TD in the third quarter. The 21-7 win definitely wasn’t what Ryan Day wanted against a bad Wildcats team, but you’ll take an ugly win in bad weather over a loss any day.


Players to Wear the #27 (since 2010):

  • NONE — Retired in 2001
  • Eddie George (1992-95)

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LGHL Player to Watch: C.J. Hicks has the talent to be the next great Ohio State linebacker

Player to Watch: C.J. Hicks has the talent to be the next great Ohio State linebacker
Brett Ludwiczak
via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


Syndication: The Columbus Dispatch

Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK

After getting his feet wet in limited action last year, linebacker C.J. Hicks will see his role expand in his sophomore season.

Every day from now until the start of the season, Land-Grant Holy Land is highlighting Ohio State football players that you should be watching this season. Check out all of our ”Player to Watch” articles to get ready for the season opener against Indiana.



Even though Ohio State has produced some great linebackers over the years, it feels like it has been too long since the Buckeyes have had a difference-maker at linebacker. Just a few years ago the linebacker unit was at its low point, as Tuf Borland was getting burned on a regular basis and the talent at the position was lacking so much that Steele Chambers had to be pulled from running back to add some fresh blood to the linebackers.

It’s always darkest before the dawn. At least we can see the sun rising for the linebackers at Ohio State. Not only has Tommy Eichenberg stepped up as the leader of the group, the additions of defensive coordinator Jim Knowles and graduate assistant James Laurinaitis have sparked the linebackers.

Last year Eichenberg became the first Buckeye linebacker since Raekwon McMillan to make at least 100 tackles in a season, and will be in the mix for the Butkus Award this season. While there’s a lot to be excited about when it comes to Eichenberg, the player that has the potential to become the next great Buckeye linebacker is C.J. Hicks.

The sophomore came to Ohio State as the top recruit in the state in the class of 2022, and the second-best linebacker recruit nationally. Last year Hicks played in 12 games, recording six tackles in limited time on the field. Despite not getting a ton of playing time in his first year in Columbus, there is a lot of hype about Hicks heading into his sophomore season.

Hicks got an early chance to shine this year with Eichenberg and Chambers not playing in the spring game due to injuries. In the annual exhibition to close out spring practices, Hicks was on the field for over 60 snaps, recording six tackles and breaking up two passes.

Syndication: The Columbus Dispatch
Barbara J. Perenic/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK

Now comes the tough part for Knowles and head coach Ryan Day — trying to find a spot for Hicks on the field that can make use of his incredible talent. With Eichenberg and Chambers slated to start at linebacker for Ohio State this year, it’s likely we see Hicks at the “Jack” position, which will allow him to keep opposing offenses off guard with it being more of a hybrid position. Last year saw defensive end Jack Sawyer lineup at the position and create havoc at times. While Hicks doesn’t have the size that Sawyer possesses, he has more speed, which could create even more problems for opposing blockers.

No matter where Hicks lines up on the field this year, he has a resource at his disposal that is invaluable. After spending last year at Notre Dame as a graduate assistant, former Ohio State linebacker James Laurinaitis returned home this year to join Ryan Day’s staff in a similar role. There’s no doubt that the development of Hicks hit another gear with Laurinaitis returning to Columbus. It’s hard not to imagine Hicks being one of Ohio State’s breakout defenders this year now that he is being coached up by one of the best linebackers in school history.

This year feels like the perfect recipe for Hicks to take the next step in his development and put the rest of the college football world on notice. With Ohio State having established starters at linebackers already, Knowles can find creative ways to try and utilize the athletic ability of Hicks on the field, as well as get him accustomed to playing more snaps.

COLLEGE FOOTBALL: NOV 19 Ohio State at Maryland
Photo by Randy Litzinger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

The Buckeyes don’t need Hicks to be on the field every play, especially after the recent addition of Northwestern linebacker Nigel Glover from the transfer portal. What the Ohio State defense will need for Hicks is for him to make plays when his number is called. With so many potential stars at each level of the defense, the spotlight won’t be on Hicks all the time, but you want him to demand attention when he is on the field, which could open up holes for other Buckeye defenders to exploit.

It feels like under the guidance of Laurinaitis and Knowles that Hicks is on the right track, and hopefully by this time next year we are including Hicks in the conversation as one of the best linebackers in the country, since he certainly has the talent to be a part of that discussion.

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LGHL Ohio State defensive tackle Ty Hamilton’s quiet leadership is about to make a sound

Ohio State defensive tackle Ty Hamilton’s quiet leadership is about to make a sound
JamiJurich
via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


Syndication: The Columbus Dispatch

Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK

After a breakout 2022, Hamilton is poised to serve as a strong, consistent force for Jim Knowles’ defense.

Every day from now until the start of the season, Land-Grant Holy Land is highlighting Ohio State football players that you should be watching this season. Check out all of our ”Player to Watch” articles to get ready for the season opener against Indiana.

After his breakout 2022 season, senior Ty Hamilton proved he’s ready to step out of the shadow of his older brother and step up as a leader.

Ty’s older brother DaVon Hamilton was an All-Big Ten defensive lineman for the Buckeyes. He is currently a starting defensive tackle for the Jacksonville Jaguars, who took him in the third round of the 2020 NFL Draft.

Now, the younger Hamilton isn’t just looking to fill his big brother’s shoes. He’s looking to blaze his own trail.

Hamilton’s first start came against Northwestern last season. He had previously taken just a handful of snaps in blowout games, but Mike Hall Jr.’s ongoing injuries allowed Hamilton to make his way from deeper in the rotation to the starting spot, while Hall, Jr. continued to play as many snaps as he could.

This opened the floodgates for Hamilton’s confidence. He started in each of the last five games in 2022, culminating in a career-high three-solo tackles in the College Football Playoff against Georgia.

It also gave him something to tease his brother about, since the elder Hamilton didn’t start his first game until part-way through his fourth season and didn’t become a regular starter until his fifth year.

The younger Hamilton is poised to see a starter’s number of snaps this season — his fourth — at nose tackle. It’s a major win for the Buckeyes, who will benefit from Hamilton’s quiet, understated leadership style, focus, and strength.

It is something Hamilton has worked hard to earn and something the Buckeyes need on the field. As Jim Knowles enters his second season as defensive coordinator, he continues to look for ways to boost OSU’s defensive prowess.

NCAA Football: Notre Dame at Ohio State
Adam Cairns-USA TODAY Sports

Hamilton could be one of the keys to unlocking a powerhouse defense. His quickness and reliability pushed him up the depth chart, but they also make him someone his teammates trust, an intangible quality with immense impact.

Last season, then-senior defensive tackle Taron Vincent described him as a “giant muscle,” saying, “I just know nobody’s going to knock him off the ball, so his gap’s always going to be sound.”

He’s a late bloomer, but if anyone can make up for lost time, it’s Hamilton.

Couple his physical strength with Hamilton’s quiet leadership, and he could be a huge playmaker for the Buckeyes this season. His hand skills, ability to get off blocks, and power to push the pocket could pose a threat to opposing offenses, who should be worried about his ability to break up passes and put pressure on the quarterback.

Keep an eye on him in this 2023 season. With Hall back to full form (and with Tyleik Williams in the mix as well), Ohio State is well-positioned to have a defensive line full of energy and momentum. If his hard work and playing time up to now is any indication, Hamilton will be a huge part of that.

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