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2019 tOSU Defense (Official Thread)

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Ohio State Spring Recap — Can the Linebackers Return to Form?

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Ohio State returns all three starting linebackers from last season in Tuf Borland, Malik Harrison, and Pete Werner. In fact, they lost just two linebackers from last year’s team.

The Buckeyes were two or three players deep this spring at each linebacker position, which gave new linebackers coach Al Washington plenty to watch throughout camp.

Spring was also made more interesting with the inclusion of the hybrid safety/linebacker “Bullet” position, but there will still be a Will, Mike, and Sam at linebacker at times this season.

Injuries took their toll this spring. Fifth-year senior Justin Hilliard suffered an Achilles injury which put his 2019 season in doubt. Borland took a helmet to the knee midway through camp that required attention and precaution, limiting him to walking and watching for the final couple of weeks. Junior Baron Browning returned from spring break a little dinged, but he got through it just fine.

Depth Chart
Mike
Tuf Borland OR
Baron Browning OR
Teradja Mitchell

Will
Malik Harrison
Dallas Gant
Justin Hilliard (Inj.)

Sam
Pete Werner
K’Vaughan Pope

Notable
Ohio State’s new defense features two inside linebackers in the Will and the Mike, and one outside linebacker in the Sam. The Sam and the hybrid linebacker/safety position known as the Bullet are interchangeable and generally won’t be on the field together. You’re likely to see more of the Sam against a power run team or in short-yardage situations, and you’re more likely to see the Bullet against spread teams. For the purposes of these previews, the Bullet is considered a safety, and you can read about that more here if you like.

Quotable
“It’s been awesome and here’s why: every kid knows that [there are no pre-conceived notions]. So you get everybody’s best. Nobody’s comfortable. Nobody’s complacent. Everybody is growth-minded. Everybody is eager. And so as a coach, I’m not coaching effort, and I’m not saying at a place like this you ever would, but it’s human nature, right? So it’s been awesome because everybody has bought into that and actually helping each other. Oddly enough, guys are very supportive of each other, but when they’re out there, they want it. So it’s been fun in that way.” — Al Washington on how the spring was going after a few practices.

Floatable
We’ll cover this more in the coming days, but in defenses like the one Ohio State is playing now, ideally the Will and the Mike are interchangeable. It’s not unlike the OSU defenses of the mid-to-late ’00s when guys like Andrew Sweat or Ross Homan could play either spot. With three men battling to be the starting middle linebacker right now, however, it doesn’t appear as though Al Washington will need to slide a Will over to step up and take over.

Entir article: https://theozone.net/2019/04/ohio-state-spring-recap-linebackers/
 
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OHIO STATE SPRING PRACTICE REVIEW: WHAT WE LEARNED AT EACH POSITION

DEFENSIVE LINE: TYREKE SMITH APPEARS TO BE NEXT OFF LARRY JOHNSON'S ASSEMBLY LINE OF DEFENSIVE ENDS
Larry Johnson has earned deserved praise from his ability to turn highly regarded recruits into productive college players who eventually become NFL draft picks, and Tyreke Smith could be next.

Smith had a spot on the vaunted Rushmen package as a true freshman, but his role was relatively limited. Expect Johnson to let him loose in the fall.

During the coaches' clinic the day before the spring game, Johnson specifically called out Smith as someone who he thinks has a chance to be special. Smith will likely join Chase Young and Jonathon Cooper atop the defensive end depth chart, and his pass-rushing skills should be an asset.

LINEBACKERS: THERE'S A LOT OF DEPTH AT THE POSITION
No one was happy with the performance at the second level of Ohio State's defense last season. Not the linebackers, not the coaching staff, not the fans. Day recognized the issues and didn't retain Billy Davis. But no one graduated and no one left early for the NFL, meaning the Buckeyes will enter the 2019 season with the same players in the room.

Ohio State returns three returning starters, but Al Washington didn't name anyone as a starter this spring. That was partially a continued attempt to spur competition, but it also stems from the depth behind Malik Harrison, Tuf Borland and Pete Werner.

Teradja Mitchell, Baron Browning, Dallas Gant and K'Vaughan Pope each flashed at times this spring, but given the returning starters, there's no clear path to the field for any of them. Washington has the enviable problem of too many players who appear to be ready to play.

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CORNERBACKS: ONE WAY OR ANOTHER, SHAUN WADE WILL FORCE HIMSELF ONTO THE FIELD
Jeffrey Okudah and Damon Arnette have cemented themselves as the starting cornerbacks on the outside, but that doesn't mean there isn't a role for Shaun Wade. The former five-star defensive back in his third year as a Buckeye forced his way on the field last season and will do so again this fall.

The week before the spring game, Day referenced Wade as one of the team's top performers this spring. His role will likely be as a nickelback and safety. Jeff Hafley and Greg Mattison have tinkered with the defense, and Wade's versatility gives them options.

SAFETIES: BRENDON WHITE WILL BE ALL OVER THE FIELD
A Bullet among Silver Bullets.

Brendon White made the newest position on the defense his own this spring. He and Jahsen Wint were the only two players repping at the spot in the spring, and in the fall, he'll be the one taking snaps as the hybrid linebacker-safety.

White lined up near the line and deep in the defensive backfield. He blitzed and dropped into coverage. He played all three levels of the defense, using his long, athletic frame to the defense's advantage.

Though Ohio State only gave a glimpse of the new position this spring, the coaches showed a willingness to play White at many different spots on the field, entrusting him with different assignments and a high level of responsibility.

Entire article: https://www.elevenwarriors.com/ohio...ctice-review-what-we-learned-at-each-position
 
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Tanner said:
Just watched the Journey episode on the season last year. Still hard to believe how bad the back 7 was on defense.
Click to expand...
Never thought we'd see a back 7 as bad as 2013 ever again. Can't believe they wound up somehow being worse. 49 to Purdue is bad enough, but at least they had a Top 10-20 offense. 51 to a Maryland offense ranked in the 90s though? Gross.
 
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STATE OF THE POSITION: OHIO STATE'S DEFENSIVE LINE AS DEEP AS EVER WITH LARRY JOHNSON AT THE HELM

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Over the summer, Eleven Warriors is taking a look at the state of every position on the Ohio State football team.

When you think about Ohio State's defensive line, do you think about Chase Young or Larry Johnson first? Either one isn't a bad option, to say the least.

With Young rushing off the edge and Johnson coaching and recruiting at as high a level as ever, the Buckeyes should once again have an impactful defensive line.

THE PERSONNEL
Ohio State expects to have 17 scholarship defensive linemen on the team next season.
  • Robert Landers (RS-Sr.): Though injuries hindered his effectiveness last season and limited his playing time, Landers has a full season of experience starting, and he's expected to once again start at nose tackle in the fall. Undersized at 6-foot-1, 285 pounds, he uses his low center of gravity and quickness to penetrate into the backfield. He has 51 tackles, including 17.5 tackles for loss and two sacks, in 39 career games. He's a native of Dayton.
  • Davon Hamilton (RS-Sr.): As a fifth-year senior, Hamilton isn't in line to start at nose tackle, but he'll likely play a similar amount of snaps to Landers. At 6-foot-4, 310 pounds, he offers a different style of play in the middle of the defensive line. That has led the Pickerington native to pick up 38 tackles, including 10.5 tackles for loss, in his career.
  • Jashon Cornell (RS-Sr.): Though Cornell has spent a sizable chunk of his collegiate career playing defensive end, he moved back inside to play 3-technique when Dre'Mont Jones headed to the NFL. He says he prefers to play defensive tackle and believes he can become a disrupter in the interior. With Jones gone, the Buckeyes need to find a defensive tackle who can live in backfields, and though the former defensive end has just seven tackles for loss and three sacks in his career, he believes he can fill that role. Cornell exited the spring appearing to be the likely starter.
  • Jonathon Cooper (Sr.): With one season as a starter in the books, Cooper hopes to produce with greater impact and consistency as a senior and second-year starter. He had 2.5 sacks and 6.5 tackles for loss in 2018. The Gahanna native said he isn't disappointed with his career thus far, but he desires to fulfill the potential he held entering the program as a near-five-star prospect. Cooper has been praised for his work ethic by Johnson and could become a team captain.
  • Antwuan Jackson Jr. (RS-Jr.): Ohio State recruited Jackson out of high school, but he chose Auburn, which he attended for a year before leaving for Blinn College. He then transferred to Ohio State after becoming the top-ranked junior-college prospect. Jackson played just 24 snaps in four total games last season, and he exited spring camp as the fourth-string nose tackle. With Landers and Hamilton being seniors, Jackson's biggest chance for extended playing time will come in 2020.
  • Chase Young (Jr.): The best player on the team, and one of the best players in the country. Off the edge, Young can produce in a variety of ways. But his pass-rushing acumen led to him racking up 10.5 sacks as a sophomore. He headed to Columbus as the No. 7 overall recruit in his class, and he has lived up to every expectation. Without Nick Bosa or Dre'Mont Jones, he'll receive the bulk of attention from offenses.
  • Haskell Garrett (Jr.): Following the 2018 season, Garrett appeared to be the likely candidate to slide into the starting 3-technique spot vacated by Jones. But given Cornell's position switch and Vincent's continued ascendance, he finds himself fighting for playing time. As a former top-75 recruit, Garrett has the potential to turn into an impactful defensive tackle. But he'll have to fight for reps at a suddenly crowded position.
  • Jerron Cage (RS-So.): In two years, Cage has played just 17 snaps, and he remained in a reserve role even with Ohio State searching for its next 3-technique. The Cincinnati native still remains behind Cornell, Garrett and Taron Vincent on the depth chart. Given Jones' absence, though, there's room for him in a rotation if he makes a jump this summer.
  • Taron Vincent (So.): The former five-star prospect came off the bench, playing 98 snaps as a true freshman, and he appears to be in line for a larger role as a true sophomore. He had three tackles, including one for a loss, in eight games last season. Like Cornell, Garrett and Cage, he's a possible riser this season with a gaping hole at 3-technique caused by the loss of Jones. Vincent entered the program as the No. 20 overall recruit and the top-ranked defensive tackle in the 2018 recruiting cycle.
  • Tommy Togiai (So.): Widely regarded as the strongest player on the team at 6-foot-2, 300 pounds, Togiai would start at most colleges in the country, But with Landers and Hamilton back for their fifth-year senior seasons, his playing time will remain capped. However, the Idaho native managed to squeeze his way to 114 snaps as a true freshman – more than Vincent – and will make a push for even more in 2019.
  • Tyreke Smith (So.): The Cleveland Heights graduate found himself on the Rushmen package early in his freshman season and played more snaps than any other first-year defensive lineman. Though the 6-foot-4, 267-pound edge rusher is still looking for his first sack, he likely won't have to wait too long. With an improved get-off at the line of scrimmage, Smith will push for a starter-level amount of snaps. He might be the Buckeyes' best hope for a consistent pass rusher across from Young.
  • Tyler Friday (So.): Early in his freshman season, Friday had three games with double-digit snaps. But he never cracked seven snaps in a game after the fourth game of the year. As a likely second-team defensive end, he'll play a larger role in the defensive end rotation. He has an edge on some of the other underclassmen, due to his experience, but he'll have to hold off some of the freshmen who will want his playing time.
  • Javontae Jean-Baptiste (RS-Fr.): After entering the program weighing only 215 pounds, Jean-Baptiste spent most of his freshman season putting on weight as he transitioned to the collegiate game. He's 6-foot-5, 245 pounds and has a bevy of natural athletic gifts that make him stand out from the pack. But since he didn't play a snap in his first year, he'll likely once again be a reserve. Given his athleticism, Jean-Baptiste could push to play on more passing down.
  • Alex Williams (RS-Fr.): At 6-foot-7, 270 pounds, size certainly isn't the problem for the Pickerington North graduate. He stands out on the field. However, he didn't play a snap as a true freshman, instead adjusting to the game. Williams was one of the Buckeyes' two lowest rated recruits in their 2018 class, and he needs more time to adjust. Whenever he takes the field for the first time this fall will be his first snaps.
  • Zach Harrison (Fr.): For a decent chunk of Harrison's recruitment, it appeared that the Olentangy Orange five-star defensive end would end up elsewhere. But instead of playing for Michigan or Penn State, he'll line up on Johnson's defensive front as an edge rusher. Harrison was the No. 12 overall prospect in his class. He has a relatively raw package of technical skills, but his athleticism shines. Ohio State isn't forced to play him much as a freshman, due to its depth, but he'll have a chance to push for a starting spot in 2020.
  • Noah Potter (Fr.): Both Potter and Harrison enrolled early this spring, getting a chance to jump into the defense sooner. Potter, a Mentor native, was the No. 334 overall prospect in his class. Though he understands Johnson sometimes doesn't play freshman many snaps and realizes the Buckeyes have a deep defensive end rotation, he has expressed a hope to play as much as possible as a true freshman.
  • Jaden McKenzie (Fr.): As the only defensive tackle in Ohio State's 2019 recruiting class, McKenzie will almost assuredly redshirt. The No. 766 overall prospect in his class will likely end up at 3-technique, but the Buckeyes already have four players ahead of him on the depth chart. McKenzie is a native of of North Carolina, but Johnson snagged him late in the recruiting cycle.
Ohio State has one defensive line commit.
  • Jack Sawyer (2021): He became the first 2021 prospect to commit to Ohio State, giving the Buckeyes the best player possible to build their class around. Sawyer is the No. 2 overall prospect in his class and the top-rated defensive end. In a similar manner to some of the other highly ranked edge rushers to commit to Ohio State, he's physically imposing at 6-foot-5 with impressive athleticism and agility for his young age. The Buckeyes will play two seasons before he even steps on campus, but there's reason for fans to be excited about him already.
Entire article: https://www.elevenwarriors.com/ohio...s-deep-as-ever-with-larry-johnson-at-the-helm
 
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STATE OF THE POSITION: OHIO STATE'S LINEBACKERS RETURN THREE STARTERS, BRING IN NEW COACH AFTER UNDERPERFORMING LAST SEASON

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Over the summer, Eleven Warriors is taking a look at the state of every position on the Ohio State football team.

A new position coach, but largely the same personnel.

After a disappointing year in which the linebackers earned the brunt of criticism for a defense that allowed 400 yards per game, Ohio State returns all three starters, but they'll be coached by Al Washington instead of Billy Davis.

With Malik Harrison, Pete Werner and Tuf Borland back, along with a host of younger players pushing for playing time, Washington has some tough decisions ahead.

THE PERSONNEL
Ohio State expects to have 11 scholarship linebackers on the team this season. Of note, we're categorizing those playing the newly created Bullet position with the safeties for the purposes of the "State of the Position" series.
  • Justin Hilliard (RS-Sr.): Once again, Hilliard's career is on hold due to an injury. He had surgery this spring following an Achilles injury. Ohio State has not publicized an expected return date, though Lettermen Row originally reported he could plan to be back on the field in the middle of the 2019 season. Hilliard, who entered the program as a five-star recruit and the top-rated Ohioan in his class, missed his first two seasons with biceps injuries and spent the past two years mainly on special teams. It's unclear when – or if – he will return to the field this fall.
  • Malik Harrison (Sr.): Instead of leaving for the NFL after the 2018 season, Harrison opted to return to Ohio State for his senior season. Playing on a linebacker unit that endured plenty of struggles, he was a bright spot, earning honorable mention All-Big Ten recognition. He had a team-high 81 tackles, including 8.5 tackles for loss, along with an interception and a fumble recovery. Harrison, a Columbus native and Walnut Ridge graduate, will start at weakside linebacker in 2019.
  • Tuf Borland (RS-Jr.): In his first two playing seasons, Borland has already started 20 games. He was named a team captain last season, making it possible for him to follow J.T. Barrett and become just the second three-time captain in program history. Borland, who didn't miss a game last season despite returning earlier than expected from a spring Achilles injury, had 67 tackles and a linebacker-high nine tackles for loss in 2018. However, he was a frequent target of criticism from the fan base and, though he never admitted it, it appeared his injury might have affected his speed and agility. He was limited this spring due to a minor knee injury. He'll have to hold off Teradja Mitchell and Baron Browning this preseason to maintain his starting position at middle linebacker.
  • Baron Browning (Jr.): Since entering Ohio State as a five-star recruit and the top-ranked linebacker in his class, Browning has contributed as a reserve and on special teams but has not cracked the starting lineup yet. With all three starting linebackers returning, he'll once again face an uphill battle. At 6-foot-3, 248 pounds, he played middle linebacker last season and this spring, meaning he'll have to battle Borland and Teradja Mitchell for playing time. Since the defensive coaches eventually want the middle and weakside linebacker positions to be interchangeable, his future could also eventually lie as a weakside linebacker.
  • Pete Werner (Jr.): Already with one year of experience starting, Werner returns as the expected starter at strongside linebacker this fall. He's one of the top coverage linebackers on the team, though he drew criticism last year at times for his run-stopping abilities. Due to the implementation of the Bullet, Werner's snap count might decrease considering when the Bullet plays, the strongside linebacker will often come off the field. But he'll likely get a shot to start for the second year in a row.
  • Teradja Mitchell (So.): As one of the underclassmen who drew the most praise throughout spring practice, Mitchell will be hard to keep off the field in the fall, even though he's still the third-string middle linebacker. Mitchell moves well at 6-foot-2, 242 pounds. Washington said he wanted a "thumper" at middle linebacker, and Mitchell could certainly be classified as such. He played only two defensive snaps as a true freshman, spending the majority of his time on special teams, but he's expected to have a larger role on defense this fall.
  • Dallas Gant (So.): Though Gant played defensive snaps in only one game as a true freshman, he earned rave views this spring from both Washington and Ryan Day. His position of weakside linebacker is currently occupied by Harrison, but Gant will assuredly see an uptick in his importance on the defense. The 6-foot-3, 232-pound Toledo native is in line to be a primary backup to Harrison.
  • K'Vaughan Pope (So.): Pope pushed Werner for snaps at strongside linebacker this spring. And though he'll likely remain a backup at the position, he'll have a chance to play more than the two defensive snaps he took as a true freshman. The 6-foot-1, 231-pound Virginia native entered the program as a top-250 recruit.
  • Tommy Eichenberg (Fr.): One of two Ohioans who will be freshman linebackers this fall, Eichenberg graduated from St. Ignatius and is the No. 327 overall prospect in his class. The 6-foot-3, 235-pound hard-hitter likely gets his first snaps at middle linebacker. At one point, he was committed to Boston College. But he decommitted on Nov. 19 before committing to Ohio State on Dec. 6, just two days after Urban Meyer retired. He's the 19th-ranked inside linebacker and eighth-rated Ohioan in the class of 2019.
  • Cade Stover (Fr.): Though some view him as a potential defensive end if continues to grow, Stover will get his first shot at Ohio State as a strongside linebacker. At 6-foot-5, 235 pounds, he has the size to contribute relatively quickly. The Lexington High School graduate was the No. 114 overall prospect and the fourth-ranked Ohioan in his class.
  • Craig Young (Fr.): No one quite knows which position Young will play – hypothetically he could end up at linebacker or safety, and he played snaps on the defensive line in high school – but he'll likely begin his collegiate career at the second level of the defense. Young has impressive speed, but at 6-foot-4, 200 pounds, he could slot in at multiple positions. He's the No. 610 overall prospect and the 34th-ranked athlete in his class.
Entire article: https://www.elevenwarriors.com/ohio...ers-have-new-coach-after-underperforming-last

It will really be interesting to see what a difference (if any) the new defenive coaches make, especially at the linebacker position.
 
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No half-stepping: Hafley goes in-depth on OSU's defensive backs

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Ohio State co-defensive coordinator/secondary coach Jeff Hafley has been impressed with the talent he has inherited at Ohio State.

Last week while meeting with the media, Hafley gave his thoughts on a number of OSU's defensive backs, beginning with fifth-year senior cornerback Damon Arnette.

"It is hard to see a change (from last season) because I was never around him," Hafley said. "I watched his film; I studied his film as I was getting ready to take the job and I saw a very talented player. He plays hard and has tremendous ability. Can cover, tough, physical, and then I saw the same things on the field. He’s a guy that loves football and a guy who works hard, a guy who gave it his all every single day, a guy who actually seemed like he enjoyed being out there. He played with confidence and has a ton of ability. There are some things that we need to work on, just like everybody else.

"Since I've been here, he’s given everything that he has had, and he has not been any issue. So, if I had never had heard anything about him, and you guys had mentioned something, (I would have said) what are you guys talking about? That is how I came in, I wanted to give everyone a clean slate and I did that. Until he proves otherwise, I am not going to think about it.

"So, like I said, I watched his film and I think he is a really good player. Just like everybody else, just like guys that I have coached, if you watch film you want to clean up some things. Hopefully we can improve and get him playing at the highest level that he can."

Senior safety Jordan Fuller will be entering his third season as a starter, but missed all of spring with an injury. He is expected to be full-go when training camp begins late this summer, which is of course good news for the Buckeyes. However, he's not quite there yet, as Hafley pointed out when a reporter asked if Fuller can "do everything" that the rest of the team is doing right now.

"Not everything," Hafley said. "He is running forward a little bit, he is able to do some stuff at half-speed, but he is looks good doing it. Great kid. You guys probably know him better than I do right now. But from meeting with him, what a super human being who does so much more than just play football."

Entire article: https://247sports.com/college/ohio-...RcfjSjsIwDY2o9MtT5PN2Yzw4fzWm6HgEZJ6Vwzdu6BCo
 
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Football: Ohio State defensive staff aligns to simplify scheme

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When the sun rose on new head coach Ryan Day’s tenure at Ohio State in January, intrigue swirled around what the first few days would bring.

Questions lingered about the assistants Day would bring in to coach his first team — questions he answered with a series of five hires, four on the defensive side of the football.

Now that they’ve been together for five months, the staff is looking to further align its vision for the 2019 Ohio State football team.

“If things don’t look good in the offseason, then you got a real problem,” Day said. “But I do feel like the staff is coming together. I do feel that there is camaraderie there, which I think really matters. I think your team feels that.”

Day’s initial vision included a combination of youth, experience, knowledge and energy in the staffroom. In January he stated his desire to hire two co-defensive coordinators: one to handle the secondary and one to handle the front seven, and he wanted it to fit that mold.

To accomplish this, he hired Greg Mattison of Michigan, who will be entering his 44th season coaching college football, and Jeff Hafley of the San Francisco 49ers. Mattison coordinates the front seven while Hafley handles the back end.

Linebackers coach Al Washington and secondary coach Matt Barnes round out the new hires while defensive line coach Larry Johnson remains the only familiar face.

“I think we have a good mix,” Day said. “We have a good mix of ages. We have a good mix of backgrounds.”

All join a team that they feel has great talent, and have aligned their vision over a simplified scheme.

“They’ve done a great job recruiting here,” Hafley said. “They’ve got good players, and I’m very grateful for that, and I’m excited to coach those guys. I can’t wait for training camp.”

When the staff members were piecing together the specifics of Ohio State’s revamped defense, there was an emphasis on utilizing the talent Hafley sees in his players.

“We want to let those guys play really fast,” Hafley said.

Entire article: https://www.thelantern.com/2019/06/football-ohio-state-defensive-staff-aligns-to-simplify-scheme/


Football: Big things expected from Ohio State linebacker group that has come up small

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Every set of All-Big Ten defensive teams from 1989 to 2016 had something in common:

They each featured at least one Ohio State linebacker.

Billy Davis’ first season as Ohio State’s linebacker coach saw the first year in 29 that a Buckeye linebacker was not selected for an All-Big Ten team. The same was true of his second season, as the much maligned defense — and oftentimes the linebackers specifically — allowed the most yards per game (403.4) in program history.

First year co-defensive coordinator Greg Mattison now has his former Michigan coaching partner Al Washington at the helm of the linebacker room, and they’re eager to prove that the train has not jumped the tracks just yet.

“I watch these players. There’s some culture here now,” Mattison said. “You don’t work as hard as you’ve worked in winter conditioning; you don’t work as hard as you’ve worked in spring football if there’s not culture. It’s not broken. These players want to be great.”

Despite having no linebacker selected to the first, second, or third team All-Big Ten this past season, Ohio State returns three starters in junior Pete Werner, redshirt junior Tuf Borland and senior Malik Harrison. All three were named honorable mention All-Big Ten by either Big Ten coaches or media.

Harrison, the standout linebacker for much of the season, led the Buckeyes with 81 tackles, 8.5 of which were for lost yardage.

Borland began this past season recovering from an Achilles tendon injury, and missed some time this spring with a knee issue that could allow sophomore linebacker Teradja Mitchell and junior Baron Browning to gain ground on him for playing time in the middle.

Mattison, who served as the Baltimore Ravens’ linebacker coach in 2008, said he has worked with the strong outside linebacker group — the Sam position — since coming to Ohio State.

“I think Pete Werner had a really, really good spring and I think he’s gonna be a heck of a football player,” Mattison said.

Mattison added that he looks at junior safeties Brendon White and Jahsen Wint as playing similarly to a Sam linebacker this season. This is due to the Buckeyes’ implementation of the bullet position that will look to utilize versatile athleticism for a hybrid position on the outside.

Despite the addition of four new defensive coaches and the integration of a new position that could cut into the minutes of Sam linebackers like Werner, Mattison reiterated that a 13-1 team a season ago is not looking to reinvent the wheel.

“It’s not like you’re coming in and you go, ‘Wow, we’ve gotta fix this,’” Mattison said. “Not in my opinion. I think this group of coaches — and these players — we’re excited about. Let’s see how good we can be this next year. That’s the bottom line. Let’s be the best we can be, and that’s our goal.”

Entire article: https://www.thelantern.com/2019/06/...tate-linebacker-group-that-has-come-up-small/
 
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Deep, Talented Buckeye Linebackers Focused on Fundamentals

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Ohio State recruits linebackers as well as any school in the country.

Last season, they had five linebackers who had all been ranked as 5-star prospects in high school — and none of them won starting jobs.

Despite the lofty rankings throughout the room, the Buckeye linebackers didn’t play up to their expectations. At times they didn’t even come close.

It wasn’t all bad, of course, but there has been a noticeable downturn over the past two seasons at the position. Now, with new linebackers coach Al Washington at the helm, and co-defensive coordinator Greg Mattison helping out with the Sams and Bullets, positive changes are expected.

The issues last year were plenty, but it is quite possible the Buckeyes could start the same three linebackers they started last year, which would lend itself to the argument that most of the blame belongs to last year’s coaching staff.

After a spring camp with a good, long look at most of the Buckeye linebackers, there were only good things said by new and old coaches alike.

Fourth-year junior captain Tuf Borland was held out due to a minor knee injury. That injury allowed Washington and company to get some experience for sophomore Teradja Mitchell, which went very well. When Borland was healthy, all three of him, Mitchell, and junior Baron Browning repped with the first team.

Junior Pete Werner was the starter at Sam and senior Malik Harrison was the starter at Will, just as they were last season. They had talented players behind them, but nothing has really changed since the close of camp in April.

“Not really since the end of spring. Kind of the same guys in there, and they’re all battling,” head coach Ryan Day said. “We’ve got a lot of players there. We’ve got some good depth with a lot of experience. They’re a hungry group, now. They’ve read things. They’re ready to go, and they’re hungry, which is fun to be around. There’s not a lot of smiles on our faces right now, which you like as a coach. i think we’re going to see some great things from those guys this year.”

Entire article: https://theozone.net/2019/06/buckeyes-linebackers-focused-fundamentals/
 
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