AREAS RAEKWON MCMILLAN CAN AND MUST IMPROVE UPON FOR 2016
Mike linebacker Raekwon McMillan is the lone returning starter from his position group in 2016 and one of only three returning starters (Gareon Conley , Tyquan Lewis) from Ohio State’s entire 2015 starting defense. The 6-foot-2 junior-to-be from Hinesville, GA, played a lot of snaps as a sophomore while still learning his position at the college level on the fly.
But 2016 is a season where much more will be expected of the former top-ranked linebacker prospect. His role and responsibilities will expand and, as a returning starter, he’ll be expected to make plays and take his game to the next level. Here are some areas of his game in which he should look to improve in 2016.
LEADERSHIP
Raekwon has already been named a captain for the 2016 Buckeyes. He’s got big shoes to fill with the likes of Josh Perry gone from his position group, as well as other on-field leaders such as Adolphus Washington, Eli Apple, Vonn Bell, Tyvis Powell, Darron Lee, Joey Bosa, and Tommy Schutt.
The best middle linebackers tend to be the team’s defensive field general. McMillan hasn’t displayed such qualities yet. With his third season in the program coming up, it’s time for that part of his game to show. In college football, players often become leaders simply by making plays. But there are off-the-field components to being a complete leader, which include spending more time in film study, taking younger players under their wings to correct errors, and picking guys up when they make mistakes. Not everyone needs to be vocal to be a leader, but that can help.
CREATING TURNOVERS
McMillan led the Buckeyes with 119 tackles and 57 unassisted stops last year, so he was around the ball a lot. Despite that, he intercepted no passes in 2015 and failed to force a fumble. He did manage to recover one opposition fumble, however. He also broke up four passes, so it’s not as if he struggles to get his hands into passing lanes.
Players that log as many snaps as Raekwon at the position he plays should be counted on to create takeaways. When looking back at players like James Laurinaitis, A.J. Hawk, Chris Spielman and others, one sees guys who made game-changing plays at the position. Raekwon is a physical, athletic player. He’s got the tools to create turnovers and he needs to put those tools to good use.
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