As is well known by now, the Buckeyes went from a team that lost 6 games by 7 points or less in 2011 to a team that won 6 games by 7 points or less in 2012. The 2012 Buckeyes had to replace 3/5 of the OL, their best WR and their best RB, and although they were bringing back their freshman QB for his second year, given the lack of development in his first year and the fact that he would have to learn an enitrely new system, it was in essence another rookie campaign for Miller. It would should therefore be apparent that the biggest difference between the failure of '11 and the success of '12 was not personnel but leadership.
Clearly and deservedly, Urban Meyer has been given most of the credit for the turnaround. However, I would suggest that the other critical difference between the two seasons was the senior leadership of players such as Simon and Boren. Just a year after the Buckeyes stumbled through a season of "game captains" Simon put his stamp on the team. The team rallied around its senior leaders and played with their passion and tenacity. This leads to the question of 2013. Who will replace Simon and Boren and the other seniors in the locker room? To me the answer to this question is at least as important as the answer to who replaces them on the field, and could very well be the difference between producing the sort of season we are all hoping for and a season of disappointment.
So, the question for the board is in the subject title. What do you think?
Hall assuming he gets the medical redshirt, Philly Brown, Hankins if he stays, any and all the senior OL. Really any and all of the seniors. It is a small but good group.
I think Shazier and Roby will take this defense under their wings!
Agree re: Hall and Philly. I also think Braxton will finally become more vocal and engaged. On defense, I think the leadership will be heavily defensive back related, and that Barnett and Bryant will play big leaderhship roles, as will Roby, in his fourth year in the program.