DDN
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Youboty latest Ohio State defender to leave early
By
Doug Harris
Dayton Daily News
COLUMBUS | Ohio State coaches have been engrossed in recruiting since returning from the Fiesta Bowl last week, and defensive coordinator Jim Heacock might want to consider hanging a shingle outside his door for visiting prospects that says, "Starters needed, apply within."
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Heacock and the rest of the staff received the crushing news over the weekend that junior defensive backs Ashton Youboty and Donte Whitner have decided to leave school early to turn pro.
The Buckeyes were already looking for replacements for seven senior starters on defense, leaving Heacock with nine vacancies to fill.
"Obviously, we would have liked to have had them come back from our standpoint, but they've got to do what they think is best," Heacock said of the departing duo. "That's their job, to research and see where they think they're going to be (taken in the draft), and we certainly honor their decision and wish them good luck and move on."
Youboty and Whitner, neither of whom could be reached for comment, are considered second-round material, but they could move up by testing well for NFL scouts.
"I know those guys filled out the papers from the NFL to see where they'd be drafted, and I know they've talked to a lot of people," Heacock said. "They're doing what they feel is best for them, and that's what we want — what's best for them. I hope it works out for them."
Youboty was a first-team All-Big Ten selection this season and led the Buckeyes in pass break-ups with nine and was fourth in tackles with 56.
Whitner also was a first-team all-conference choice and was the team leader in interceptions with two and was third in tackles with 56.
Elmer Mosbey of Klein, Texas, is Youboty's legal guardian and helped the player sort through the decision process.
"We felt this timing was what best fit him," Mosbey said. "We hope he'll be drafted on the first day (in the first three rounds), but we're just thankful for the opportunity he had with Ohio State. Those fans are second to none."
The Buckeyes had the top-rated defense in the Big Ten this season, but the mass exodus leaves only defensive linemen Quinn Pitcock and David Patterson as returning starters.
Although there is at least some experience elsewhere on the unit, freshman cornerback Malcolm Jenkins is the only holdover to finish among the top 10 on the team in tackles.
"We'll have a real good defensive line, and we've got some linebackers who have played," said Heacock, mentioning Marcus Freeman and Mike D'Andrea, both of whom missed most of the season with knee injuries.
"We always need guys to step up — we just need a few more this time."
Contact Doug Harris at (937) 225-2125.