Ohio State football: Linebackers have a lot to tackle
Sophomores Grant, Shazier being counted on to help defense rebound
Ohio State will need Curtis Grant to do a better job digesting the defensive playbook if he?s to be successful at middle linebacker.
By Bill Rabinowitz
The Columbus Dispatch Friday August 17, 2012
It could be described as pressure. Ryan Shazier and Curtis Grant prefer to consider it incentive. On a defense with nine returning starters, Ohio State is banking on two sophomores to solidify a linebacking group that is regarded as its biggest question mark.
Fifth-year senior Etienne Sabino is being counted on to build on his strong Gator Bowl performance at strong-side linebacker. But Shazier at weak-side linebacker and Grant in the middle must blossom if the Buckeyes are to rebound from last year?s disappointing performance. Coach Urban Meyer hasn?t shied away from saying how much the linebackers must improve.
?It?s not really pressure,? Grant said. ?It?s motivation. I look at it as the way he wants me to play for him.?
The questions about Shazier and Grant are grounded in their experience, not their ability or desire.
Shazier was a force on special teams last year and showed big-play talent in limited action on defense. He had 57 tackles, the most for an OSU true freshman since Andy Katzenmoyer had 86 in 1996. Shazier did so despite looking more like a receiver than a linebacker. He has gone from a listed weight of 212 last year to 230.
?I eat about six times a day,? Shazier said. ?I feel a lot faster and stronger. I?m learning the game a lot more mentally now so that the game is slowing down.?
Grant entered Ohio State last year as its highest-ranked recruit. But he hardly saw the field, except on special teams. Admittedly overwhelmed by the playbook, his confidence took a severe hit.
?A year ago, I came in just wanting to earn a spot like any other kid,? Grant said. ?But I didn?t show it. I talked about it, but I didn?t show it.?
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