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Tackett Curtis (LB Southern Cal, transfer to Wisconsin)

So don't cover the first Heisman winning WR in over 20 years with the worlds slowest LB?

Well at least now I can get a laugh out of that, but it took a couple years of aging and a lot of shouting at the TV. But I was in the camp that probably was more infatuated than need be due to the highlight film of Curtis just blowing people up. He would have been a great get, but in Knowles' defense I don't think we are going to see a huge drop off losing a LB like Curtis as opposed to missing a top-shelf DL or DB, which I think is what @osugrad21 was getting at in terms of position importance on the defensive side of the ball. You just need more DL and DBs in 2022. And addressing LB, I think the absolute world of Hicks and Powers in the last class...really think those 2 are going to be a force out there for us for several years, which softens the blow on this one even if it does blow.
 
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Prob wrong thread, but different styles call for different type players.

IMO, when u look at how Okie State has deployed linebackers, it’s very much a blue collar, lunch pail approach……which is why I think Knowles loved this kid. Okie State funneled ball chair riders to their LB’s and Okie State LB’s (who don’t get much love) put up huge tackling stats. I just don’t think NFL is looking for that type of LB as much anymore….it’s interesting….Bowles runs a really unique look in secondary, only plays (2) LB’s, and then attacks with the front 4 in multiple fronts.

I think Curtis checked all the boxes for Knowles, but it’s kinda interesting…..I don’t think Knowles scheme made Tackett feel like he’d be setup well as an LB at next level. Interestingly enough, Okie States most efficient defense players were LB’s but none are seen as elite NFL prospects.

Anyways….just my take. Think Knowles is going to have to get his defense on tape at tOSU and then be able to sell his LB’s can get drafted at a high level….
 
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Doubling down on what is said above, sometimes a kid fits a college system exceptionally well, but doesn't 'project' as a pro-type LBer. Size, coverage ability, etc, I dunno. Sometimes a system run at college level doesn't project to the pro-level, but a kid might be singled out and drafted. Many variables involved. Personally thought Josh Perry projected well at the pro level, long, lean, quick feet able to cover TE or RBs escaping downfield, but for whatever reason didn't pan out. NFL has become almost exclusively a passing league, with a 100 yard rusher the exception, not the standard, more of a 'change-up' rather than the norm. Truly believe the kids are more aware, have studied more, etc. what they bring to the table at the college level, and what they need to do to achieve success in the pros, and try to find a niche that will help them achieve those goals. A TE like Ruckert, great pass catcher, came to tOSU to learn how to be a blocker (!) in order to maximize his utility to the pros. He could catch, certainly, but recognized his weakness as a blocker. Consequently, and fortunately for him, he was recognized as a good blocker, and in several games, showcased his catching ability. Cannot wait to see how well he performs with the Jets. Might even have to watch some NFL......Go Bucks! PS, billmac nailed it. Believe both Knowles (and new OL coach) will have to prove their system works for the elite players to 'come on down' and sign with the Buckeyes. Also believe it will happen, but not maybe for a year or two.
 
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Doubling down on what is said above, sometimes a kid fits a college system exceptionally well, but doesn't 'project' as a pro-type LBer. Size, coverage ability, etc, I dunno. Sometimes a system run at college level doesn't project to the pro-level, but a kid might be singled out and drafted. Many variables involved. Personally thought Josh Perry projected well at the pro level, long, lean, quick feet able to cover TE or RBs escaping downfield, but for whatever reason didn't pan out. NFL has become almost exclusively a passing league, with a 100 yard rusher the exception, not the standard, more of a 'change-up' rather than the norm. Truly believe the kids are more aware, have studied more, etc. what they bring to the table at the college level, and what they need to do to achieve success in the pros, and try to find a niche that will help them achieve those goals. A TE like Ruckert, great pass catcher, came to tOSU to learn how to be a blocker (!) in order to maximize his utility to the pros. He could catch, certainly, but recognized his weakness as a blocker. Consequently, and fortunately for him, he was recognized as a good blocker, and in several games, showcased his catching ability. Cannot wait to see how well he performs with the Jets. Might even have to watch some NFL......Go Bucks! PS, billmac nailed it. Believe both Knowles (and new OL coach) will have to prove their system works for the elite players to 'come on down' and sign with the Buckeyes. Also believe it will happen, but not maybe for a year or two.

Never really had a chance to get going due to concussions
 
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Yeah, Oregon, heard that on the B10 report.....six concussions is quite a bit for the brain case to take. He still looks like he could make 100 tackles. If we remember, Werner was not really booed, but took alot of heat during games from the fanbase. Guess he was around the ball most of the time, but maybe not making the tackle? Love it that he has showed out so well in the pros. Good for him and his alma mater. Go Bucks! PS, thanks Oregon!
 
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Care to be a little more specific?
Curtis might not be what a lot of people were saying once he hits college … the first time he is going to learn how to actually play within a scheme and not do his own thing will be in college … that’s a terrible place to learn a position when trying to crack the two deep .. while your trying to learn your getting passed up on the depth chart…. Only think people have to go on is a highlight tape against very weak talent … I don’t even think he has camped at all … so no telling what type of over all athlete he is as far as covering and moving .. just my opinion …
 
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No clue what led him to believe he'd be developed by Grinch and his staff. I assumed he just wanted the LA lifestyle
I think he just really liked Grinch and im sure was sold that the offense would score so much that he could put up tackling stats(which is true as he’s top 10 in tackles). But he’s looked lost in coverage and his tackles are more due to being empty stats and not looking all that dominant in a more realistic defense where he isn’t the main feature. It’s interesting, because Eli Lee in 2025 class plays in a similar defense. But he’s looked way more dominant IMO, and like someone who can adapt to a college defense.
 
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I think he just really liked Grinch and im sure was sold that the offense would score so much that he could put up tackling stats(which is true as he’s top 10 in tackles). But he’s looked lost in coverage and his tackles are more due to being empty stats and not looking all that dominant in a more realistic defense where he isn’t the main feature. It’s interesting, because Eli Lee in 2025 class plays in a similar defense. But he’s looked way more dominant IMO, and like someone who can adapt to a college defense.
He chose poorly
 
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