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LGHL With Miami booster in hot water, Ohio State could attempt to pillage Canes’ 2024 class
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With Miami booster in hot water, Ohio State could attempt to pillage Canes’ 2024 class
Gene Ross via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
2024 Miami DL commit Marquise Lightfoot | via @MarquiseL01 on Twitter
The Buckeyes are potentially well-positioned to flip a few players from Miami if things go south for the ‘NIL King’.
It is no secret that NIL has greatly changed the college recruiting game. Gone are the fabled ‘bag men’ that paid recruits behind closed doors, and instead replace them with top prospects earning paychecks in broad daylight to attend the school of a booster’s choice.
Since the legalization of NIL, we have seen this happen at big programs across the country, but perhaps no more so than places like Miami, Texas A&M, and most recently Florida State with the commitment of five-star safety K.J. Bolden for a reportedly large NIL deal. However, while these big boosters can giveth, they can also taketh away when that money well dries up.
Such is the story for the Hurricanes, as John Ruiz, dubbed Miami’s ‘NIL King,’ is currently under federal investigation for his company LifeWallet. Ruiz has provided an large influx of money to Miami’s athletic programs, and he and his money have played a pivotal role in attracting recruits to the school — most notably Nigel Pack’s $800K deal. With LifeWallet now the target of “federal civil and criminal investigations,” the company once valued at $32B has seen its stock prices drop under 25 cents per share.
All this to say: that Ruiz money may not be flowing to Miami for much longer. The Athletic has reported that the Canes don’t expect much of an impact on NIL without Ruiz, as LifeWallet allegedly is only responsible for around 15-20 percent of the school’s current deals, I find that hard to believe. Even if it is actually only that size slice of the pie, that could still have a significant impact on a handful of players that are weighing a quick paycheck versus the chance to play at a school that will actually win football games and develop them for the next level.
Regardless, Ohio State may have an opportunity to potentially sway some targets away from Miami in the 2024 class amid this news, and have continued to recruit players such as Marquise Lightfoot and recently Chance Robinson to Columbus even despite their commitment to the Canes.
Lightfoot, the No. 5 EDGE and No. 62 overall player in the 2024 class per the 247Sports Composite, was once considered an Ohio State lean. However, Miami swooped in late with what was likely a large enough NIL offer to sway the Illinois native. Even after his commitment elsewhere, Larry Johnson and the Buckeyes never stopped recruiting the 6-foot-5, 220-pound defensive lineman, and with this news coming out of Miami, their chances may have only increased to flip Lightfoot before he signs on the dotted line.
Robinson is a bit of a different story, as Brian Hartline only extended an offer to the wide receiver on July 30. Coming in this late in the game to a player who already held over 30 offers is usually a massively uphill battle, but between the Miami NIL issues and Hartline’s reputation as both a recruiter and a developer, this is another player Ohio State seems to have a legitimate chance of flipping.
Robinson currently ranks as the No. 23 WR and the No. 151 overall player in the 2024 class per the 247Sports Composite. The Buckeyes would love to finish out a stacked receiver class with both Robinson and Jeremiah McClellan.
This is all mostly speculation, but with the recent offer to Robinson and the continued pursuit of Lightfoot, the Ohio State coaching staff must feel like they have at least non-zero chances here or they would not continue to waste resources on players already committed elsewhere. Either way, it is a situation worth monitoring as we get deep into the summer months and inch closer and closer to signing day.
Continue reading...
Gene Ross via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
2024 Miami DL commit Marquise Lightfoot | via @MarquiseL01 on Twitter
The Buckeyes are potentially well-positioned to flip a few players from Miami if things go south for the ‘NIL King’.
It is no secret that NIL has greatly changed the college recruiting game. Gone are the fabled ‘bag men’ that paid recruits behind closed doors, and instead replace them with top prospects earning paychecks in broad daylight to attend the school of a booster’s choice.
Since the legalization of NIL, we have seen this happen at big programs across the country, but perhaps no more so than places like Miami, Texas A&M, and most recently Florida State with the commitment of five-star safety K.J. Bolden for a reportedly large NIL deal. However, while these big boosters can giveth, they can also taketh away when that money well dries up.
Such is the story for the Hurricanes, as John Ruiz, dubbed Miami’s ‘NIL King,’ is currently under federal investigation for his company LifeWallet. Ruiz has provided an large influx of money to Miami’s athletic programs, and he and his money have played a pivotal role in attracting recruits to the school — most notably Nigel Pack’s $800K deal. With LifeWallet now the target of “federal civil and criminal investigations,” the company once valued at $32B has seen its stock prices drop under 25 cents per share.
All this to say: that Ruiz money may not be flowing to Miami for much longer. The Athletic has reported that the Canes don’t expect much of an impact on NIL without Ruiz, as LifeWallet allegedly is only responsible for around 15-20 percent of the school’s current deals, I find that hard to believe. Even if it is actually only that size slice of the pie, that could still have a significant impact on a handful of players that are weighing a quick paycheck versus the chance to play at a school that will actually win football games and develop them for the next level.
Regardless, Ohio State may have an opportunity to potentially sway some targets away from Miami in the 2024 class amid this news, and have continued to recruit players such as Marquise Lightfoot and recently Chance Robinson to Columbus even despite their commitment to the Canes.
Lightfoot, the No. 5 EDGE and No. 62 overall player in the 2024 class per the 247Sports Composite, was once considered an Ohio State lean. However, Miami swooped in late with what was likely a large enough NIL offer to sway the Illinois native. Even after his commitment elsewhere, Larry Johnson and the Buckeyes never stopped recruiting the 6-foot-5, 220-pound defensive lineman, and with this news coming out of Miami, their chances may have only increased to flip Lightfoot before he signs on the dotted line.
Robinson is a bit of a different story, as Brian Hartline only extended an offer to the wide receiver on July 30. Coming in this late in the game to a player who already held over 30 offers is usually a massively uphill battle, but between the Miami NIL issues and Hartline’s reputation as both a recruiter and a developer, this is another player Ohio State seems to have a legitimate chance of flipping.
Robinson currently ranks as the No. 23 WR and the No. 151 overall player in the 2024 class per the 247Sports Composite. The Buckeyes would love to finish out a stacked receiver class with both Robinson and Jeremiah McClellan.
This is all mostly speculation, but with the recent offer to Robinson and the continued pursuit of Lightfoot, the Ohio State coaching staff must feel like they have at least non-zero chances here or they would not continue to waste resources on players already committed elsewhere. Either way, it is a situation worth monitoring as we get deep into the summer months and inch closer and closer to signing day.
Quick Hits
- After whiffing on Dylan Stewart last week, Ohio State is in need of a big win along the defensive line in 2024. They got one step closer to that on Friday afternoon, as four-star EDGE Booker Pickett included the Buckeyes among his top schools. The No. 13 EDGE and No. 190 player overall, Pickett cut down his list of nearly 40 offers to just five, with Ohio State making the cut alongside Florida State, Georgia, Miami and South Carolina.
- Ohio State extended an offer on Sunday to 2025 offensive tackle Peter Langi. A California native, Langi is currently a three-star prospect per 247Sports’ own ranking, coming in as the No. 22 IOL in the class. At 6-foot-5, 330 pounds, there is plenty of time for the Archbishop Riordan product to rise up the ranks as we get closer to the 2025 cycle coming into the spotlight.
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Terrible Tattoos
- Open Discussion (Work-safe)
- 3 Replies
To be fair, it’s actually not the most poorly drawn tattoo, it’s just a terrible idea for one, and in an even worse location for it.
LGHL Uncut Podcast: 3 Ohio State quarterbacks discuss competition as fall camp starts
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Uncut Podcast: 3 Ohio State quarterbacks discuss competition as fall camp starts
Matt Tamanini via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Kyle McCord, Devin Brown, and Tristan Gebbia on OSU’s QB room.
Throughout the year, the Land-Grant Podcast Network will be bringing you uncut audio primarily from Ohio State press conferences, but also from individual interview sessions.
Listen to the episode and subscribe:
On today’s episode of “Land-Grant Uncut,” we are bringing you unedited audio from Ohio State football’s final press conference before the start of preseason camp earlier this week. On Wednesday, Aug. 2, three of Ohio State’s quarterbacks took to the podium to discuss the competition to name a starter, how they all differ from each other, and what it is like in the QB room.
Third-year Buckeye Kyle McCord and second-year QB Devin Brown are (almost certainly) the two players in contention to become OSU’s starter, with Gebbia serving as a mentor having transferred from Oregon State, at least in part, in order to further his goals of becoming a football coach.
You can watch the full press conference on the official Ohio State athletics website.
Contact Matt Tamanini
Twitter: @BWWMatt
Continue reading...
Matt Tamanini via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Kyle McCord, Devin Brown, and Tristan Gebbia on OSU’s QB room.
Throughout the year, the Land-Grant Podcast Network will be bringing you uncut audio primarily from Ohio State press conferences, but also from individual interview sessions.
Listen to the episode and subscribe:
Subscribe: RSS | Apple | Spotify | Google Podcasts | iHeart Radio
On today’s episode of “Land-Grant Uncut,” we are bringing you unedited audio from Ohio State football’s final press conference before the start of preseason camp earlier this week. On Wednesday, Aug. 2, three of Ohio State’s quarterbacks took to the podium to discuss the competition to name a starter, how they all differ from each other, and what it is like in the QB room.
Third-year Buckeye Kyle McCord and second-year QB Devin Brown are (almost certainly) the two players in contention to become OSU’s starter, with Gebbia serving as a mentor having transferred from Oregon State, at least in part, in order to further his goals of becoming a football coach.
You can watch the full press conference on the official Ohio State athletics website.
Contact Matt Tamanini
Twitter: @BWWMatt
Music by: www.bensound.com
Continue reading...
LGHL B1G Thoughts: The B1G is getting B1GGER
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- 0 Replies
B1G Thoughts: The B1G is getting B1GGER
JordanW330 via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Down goes the PAC-12 as the Big 12 and Big Ten put the final nail in the conference, adding six of the remaining 10 teams.
Every week after the Big Ten slate of games, I will bring you some B1G thoughts on everything that happened! This will include analysis, stats, key players, moments, and maybe a joke. With the Big Ten expanding from 14 teams to 18 teams in 2024, will also include the newest members — Oregon, UCLA, USC, and Washington.
Check out the I-80 Football Show in the Land-Grant Holy Land podcast feed for more in-depth analysis and to preview the next week of B1G games.
Wow. That is the thought that is going through the head of many college football fans after another round of realignment has changed the face of college football potentially beyond repair. The Big Ten Conference, after adding USC and UCLA roughly 18 months ago, has dealt the final blow to the PAC-12 conference after sending a rescue boat to Oregon and Washington just in time for them to jump off the sinking ship.
Did the Big Ten and FOX end what was a once proud conference, or did they offer a mercy killing putting them out of their misery after years of gross negligence, apathy, overconfidence, and a major misunderstanding of their standing in college football? The answer to that depends on who you ask, but what is non-debatable is the PAC-12, unless saved by an 11th-hour miracle, is dead.
This most recent era of realignment started with the SEC when they added Oklahoma and Texas, pushing the Big 12 to the brink. The Big Ten countered with USC and UCLA, hitting the PAC-12 with body shots after they decided not to raid the Big 12 at their weakest moment.
The Big 12 took the PAC-12’s kindness as a weakness, first securing their future by adding BYU, Cincinnati, Houston, and UCF. After stabilizing they immediately turned their attention towards raiding the PAC-12, which would not have been possible without the massive failure that is the hiring of George Kliavkoff and his fumbling of their new media deal.
After promising a deal in March, May, and June, and again before media days, the PAC-12 still does not have a viable offer, causing Colorado to leave for the Big 12 last week. Despite the defection, Kliavkoff was not able to secure a legitimate media deal and despite their reluctance, the rest of the PAC-12 schools with any clout decided it was time to jump ship.
Arizona, Arizona State, and Utah applied and were accepted to the Big 12 starting in 2024. Oregon and Washington, two programs many predicted to the Big Ten and questioned why they weren’t added last year, finally received the offer to join the conference — albeit on a massive discount.
Unlike USC and UCLA, who entered the conference as full members and expect a payout of around $70 million annually, Oregon and Washington are reported to receive $30 million in 2024 with a $1 million raise until the new media deal starts in 2030. Kevin Warren, despite all of his flaws, seems like a genius for not welcoming Oregon and Washington last year, as they get two teams capable of making the playoffs for pennies on the dollar.
In the coming days, there will be a lot more to come for this. The four remaining PAC-12 schools — Cal, Oregon State, Stanford, and Washington State — will need to figure out if they can remain together and add schools or if they will need to head to the Mountain West Conference. If somehow the conference continues to exist, they need a change in leadership immediately, as Kliavkoff is not suited for the position.
The Big Ten will need to readjust its scheduling format which was announced a couple of months ago, first with 2024 and 2025 and then determine a permanent scheduling arrangement. There is still the need to figure out travel plans and finances and finalize the TV deal, which just added two more markets, opening the possibility for more night games. Big Ten after dark, anyone?
College Football is changing! In the next few weeks, you’ll see a lot of media members, school administrators, and fans complaining about the future of college football, but if you ask me the future is bright. In an era where teams almost refuse to schedule tough out-of-conference games, we’re going to get awesome matchups weekly because they’re now lumped together.
We get the revival of the Holy War with BYU and Utah in the same conference, as well as Texas vs. Texas A&M. We’ll get to see more games with Ohio State, Michigan, and Penn State, playing USC, Oregon, and Washington instead of a steady diet of Rutgers and Northwestern.
After a wonderful 13-week season, we’ll then get a 12-team playoff, where the top of the sport gets to battle it out for a championship and teams will no longer be punished by losing one game in a 12-game season.
This is different. Different is hard, but in some cases different is good. It’ll take some time to get used to the Big Ten, Big 12, and SEC having 18, 16, and 16 teams, respectively. We’ll still have to keep an eye out for Florida State and Clemson’s campaign to get out of the ACC. The sport is changing, but for fans who want to watch good games, this change is for the best.
If I’m proven wrong, well then you can take your anger out on Larry Scott, George Kliavkoff, and the PAC-12 presidents who hired them, empowered them, and refused to adjust to the times. They destroyed their conference from the inside out and then jumped ship for a better payday. Regardless of the why, I can’t wait to watch the games!
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Follow The I-80 Football Show on YouTube: @JordanW330 or @LandGrantPods
Subscribe to the podcast: RSS | Apple | Spotify | Stitcher | Google Podcasts | iHeart Radio
Connect with me on Twitter: @JordanW330
Continue reading...
JordanW330 via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Down goes the PAC-12 as the Big 12 and Big Ten put the final nail in the conference, adding six of the remaining 10 teams.
Every week after the Big Ten slate of games, I will bring you some B1G thoughts on everything that happened! This will include analysis, stats, key players, moments, and maybe a joke. With the Big Ten expanding from 14 teams to 18 teams in 2024, will also include the newest members — Oregon, UCLA, USC, and Washington.
Check out the I-80 Football Show in the Land-Grant Holy Land podcast feed for more in-depth analysis and to preview the next week of B1G games.
Wow. That is the thought that is going through the head of many college football fans after another round of realignment has changed the face of college football potentially beyond repair. The Big Ten Conference, after adding USC and UCLA roughly 18 months ago, has dealt the final blow to the PAC-12 conference after sending a rescue boat to Oregon and Washington just in time for them to jump off the sinking ship.
Did the Big Ten and FOX end what was a once proud conference, or did they offer a mercy killing putting them out of their misery after years of gross negligence, apathy, overconfidence, and a major misunderstanding of their standing in college football? The answer to that depends on who you ask, but what is non-debatable is the PAC-12, unless saved by an 11th-hour miracle, is dead.
This most recent era of realignment started with the SEC when they added Oklahoma and Texas, pushing the Big 12 to the brink. The Big Ten countered with USC and UCLA, hitting the PAC-12 with body shots after they decided not to raid the Big 12 at their weakest moment.
The Big 12 took the PAC-12’s kindness as a weakness, first securing their future by adding BYU, Cincinnati, Houston, and UCF. After stabilizing they immediately turned their attention towards raiding the PAC-12, which would not have been possible without the massive failure that is the hiring of George Kliavkoff and his fumbling of their new media deal.
After promising a deal in March, May, and June, and again before media days, the PAC-12 still does not have a viable offer, causing Colorado to leave for the Big 12 last week. Despite the defection, Kliavkoff was not able to secure a legitimate media deal and despite their reluctance, the rest of the PAC-12 schools with any clout decided it was time to jump ship.
Arizona, Arizona State, and Utah applied and were accepted to the Big 12 starting in 2024. Oregon and Washington, two programs many predicted to the Big Ten and questioned why they weren’t added last year, finally received the offer to join the conference — albeit on a massive discount.
Unlike USC and UCLA, who entered the conference as full members and expect a payout of around $70 million annually, Oregon and Washington are reported to receive $30 million in 2024 with a $1 million raise until the new media deal starts in 2030. Kevin Warren, despite all of his flaws, seems like a genius for not welcoming Oregon and Washington last year, as they get two teams capable of making the playoffs for pennies on the dollar.
In the coming days, there will be a lot more to come for this. The four remaining PAC-12 schools — Cal, Oregon State, Stanford, and Washington State — will need to figure out if they can remain together and add schools or if they will need to head to the Mountain West Conference. If somehow the conference continues to exist, they need a change in leadership immediately, as Kliavkoff is not suited for the position.
The Big Ten will need to readjust its scheduling format which was announced a couple of months ago, first with 2024 and 2025 and then determine a permanent scheduling arrangement. There is still the need to figure out travel plans and finances and finalize the TV deal, which just added two more markets, opening the possibility for more night games. Big Ten after dark, anyone?
College Football is changing! In the next few weeks, you’ll see a lot of media members, school administrators, and fans complaining about the future of college football, but if you ask me the future is bright. In an era where teams almost refuse to schedule tough out-of-conference games, we’re going to get awesome matchups weekly because they’re now lumped together.
We get the revival of the Holy War with BYU and Utah in the same conference, as well as Texas vs. Texas A&M. We’ll get to see more games with Ohio State, Michigan, and Penn State, playing USC, Oregon, and Washington instead of a steady diet of Rutgers and Northwestern.
After a wonderful 13-week season, we’ll then get a 12-team playoff, where the top of the sport gets to battle it out for a championship and teams will no longer be punished by losing one game in a 12-game season.
This is different. Different is hard, but in some cases different is good. It’ll take some time to get used to the Big Ten, Big 12, and SEC having 18, 16, and 16 teams, respectively. We’ll still have to keep an eye out for Florida State and Clemson’s campaign to get out of the ACC. The sport is changing, but for fans who want to watch good games, this change is for the best.
If I’m proven wrong, well then you can take your anger out on Larry Scott, George Kliavkoff, and the PAC-12 presidents who hired them, empowered them, and refused to adjust to the times. They destroyed their conference from the inside out and then jumped ship for a better payday. Regardless of the why, I can’t wait to watch the games!
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Follow The I-80 Football Show on YouTube: @JordanW330 or @LandGrantPods
Subscribe to the podcast: RSS | Apple | Spotify | Stitcher | Google Podcasts | iHeart Radio
Connect with me on Twitter: @JordanW330
Continue reading...
LGHL Ohio State Football Countdown: 27
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- 0 Replies
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
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.
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.
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Gene Ross via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
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
- News
- 0 Replies
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
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.
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24832519/usa_today_20471638.jpg "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.
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24832520/1244975868.jpg "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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Brett Ludwiczak via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
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.
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.
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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