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LB K'Vaughan Pope (transfer to Tenn St)

Anomaly or not, it's good to see the pups biting. With the amount of talent that has come through in the last couple of years, it would not surprise me in the least to have the young ones making their case on the field. All good news, especially on that side of the ball.
I'll take every single young LB breakout we can get, we have to drastically improve at that position and it would be criminal if we didn't considering the talent we've recruited there.
I can see the LBs rotating like pretty much every position. Keep them all fresh for the end of the season, and get the young guys real reps.
 
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I can see the LBs rotating like pretty much every position. Keep them all fresh for the end of the season, and get the young guys real reps.


As long as the production is there, I agree. I would prefer somebody step up and grab a position or two by the horns as well as rotate a few able bodies in for meaningful reps as long as there isn't a drop off. There is a ton of talent in that room, but the Bucks need some consistency and a leader on the field from that position group the majority of the game snaps for the defense to be more successful than last year.
 
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As long as the production is there, I agree. I would prefer somebody step up and grab a position or two by the horns as well as rotate a few able bodies in for meaningful reps as long as there isn't a drop off. There is a ton of talent in that room, but the Bucks need some consistency and a leader on the field from that position group the majority of the game snaps for the defense to be more successful than last year.

I think Harrison is going to be that guy this year. Then you hope Borland is another staple. Beyond that, a rotation could be a good thing.
 
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All the reports I've read are just that Al Washington has been working with him a lot. No real word on his progress. Hopefully he's back full tilt by the opener.

Thanks. Agree. While not ideal, losing a step can be made up for, to some extent, with better (read: less aggressive) angles. If that’s going to be the case that’s a shame because it’s likely the difference between great and elite. Hope he’s full speed soon.
 
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Wow. Dialed in. For the opportunities he had he flashed. This guy and Craig Young need to see the field more. I know. I know. Who do you sit? More tic really. Just a fuckin embarrassment of riches on this team.
He looked real good out there, and that bodes well for the future. We lose Harrison and Hilliard after this year(can't remember if Borland is a senior as well), and Pope could definitely fight for a spot in the rotation. I'm assuming the staff will continually rotate, and guys like Pope, Young, Mitchell and Gant could see time
 
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He looked real good out there, and that bodes well for the future. We lose Harrison and Hilliard after this year(can't remember if Borland is a senior as well), and Pope could definitely fight for a spot in the rotation. I'm assuming the staff will continually rotate, and guys like Pope, Young, Mitchell and Gant could see time

Borland is a junior and hilliard is going to try get a 6th year
 
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Borland is a 4th year Junior. Ohio State would have to grant him a 5th year but are not obligated as schollies are for only 4 years.

Borland and Hilliard (if NCAA grants him a 6th year) could possibly both be Grad status and transfer out if they do not want to go to the NFL after this year.
 
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K'VAUGHAN POPE
Pope has two interceptions this season, both of which have come in the past two games. Only one other linebacker on Ohio State's roster – Tuf Borland – has picked off a pass this year.

Due to the presence of Harrison, Borland, Pete Werner and Baron Browning, Pope has played limited snaps. However, his recent pair of interceptions increased his profile a bit in recent weeks.

The Buckeyes, a year after struggling at linebacker, have a glut of depth at the position. Pope, Teradja Mitchell and Dallas Gant are a trio of linebackers who don't regularly rotate in competitive games but have shown flashes of readiness in the second halves of games this season. With only Harrison and Justin Hilliard as seniors – and Hilliard possibly seeking a waiver for a sixth year – Ohio State will have plenty of options at linebacker again next year. Pope's recent play has ensured he gets a long look from the coaches in the offseason.

Entire article: https://www.elevenwarriors.com/ohio...best-play-of-his-career-kvaughan-popes-second

I think everyone would agree that the linebacker play this year is way better than last year. IMHO, Harrison will be missed; however, with the depth at the position our LB play should be even better next year, especially if Hilliard and Browning come back healthy. I actually believe that our Sophomore backup LBs (Pope, Mitchel, and Gant) would be starters for many D1 teams.
 
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