I don't exactly know the extent to which this has been talked about, but it was certainly interesting for me to think about. Who do you think takes the field for the D that didn't last year (or at least not much)? Where do you see the team in terms of knowing repsonsibilities and MAKING TACKLES? What freshman (if any) make an impact? Will they stop surrendering huge plays to Cal and Indiana? What do you think/hope for?
P.S. If there is an identical forum topic, I apologize. I just wanted to start a conversation with like minded people, tOSU fans
I think Doran Grant is a sure fire starter at corner with Roby on the other end. I can see Eli Apple being the nickelback. Of course the dline will have all new starters. I think Curtis Grant will put it together and stay at MLB with Shazier and the 3rd LB could be anyone from the last two recruiting classes.
I think the nickelback competition will be interesting between Apple, Reeves and Griffin. Not quite the linebacker competition but still an interesting one.
The nickle, or star in the Buckeyes system has normally been manned by a safety... I look for Corey Brown or Devan Bogard, if healthy to man that spot.
grant is the favorite right now obviously but if apple and burrows compete well i could see them beating him out. Good god i just remembered how awesome it wil be if those two both become great opposing corners, i think the defensive backfield is about to become a true staple of the program and thats fine with me, i never liked how donte whitner got overshadowed by those great linebackers even though he was probably 2nd best on that unit next to hawk
Whitner never played lb for the Buckeyes... He was a db
i know, i was saying the lb play overshadowed him back there unless he was coming up with a big int or a sack on a saftey blitz, sorry for the confusing phrasing? donte whitner is in my personal top 3 favorite players
Perry or Williams will be starting at one LB spot. Either Grant or one of the freshman (mitchell or johnson) could be starting at the 3rd LB spot.
On the d-line, I can't wait to see Schutt, Washington and Spence get more playing time as starters this year. I have a feeling we'll see plenty of Bosa as well.
I also can't wait to see Taylor Decker take over RT and live up to his hype!
"Attack the Strong, Trample the Weak, Hurdle the Dead!"
-Former OSU S&C Coach Lichter
thats my hopeful d-line, i think sprinkle is going to end up being a great player too
Apple and Burrows are big time players already in the program. They get spring ball and winter conditioning which will go a long way and they will be on the field and key contributors on the 2 deep.
Dark house for some PT that no oneis talking about. Armani Reeves.
What about Tyvis Powell?!?!?!?!