Versatility is a topic that's been tossed around a little more than usual lately.  For instance, how many times was that word used when describing a player's value in the draft? 

Every team values "every down" players.  Zeke is a classic case in point.  It's rare for a running back to go that early in the draft these days.  It's widely acknowledged he was taken 4th overall because his blocking and pass catching abilities make him that every down kind of guy. 

Joey Bosa was taken 3rd over all, at least, in part because he can play more than one position on the defensive line.

In their present scheme, Ohio State's safeties must be able to cover like corners as well as fulfilling the role of a more traditional safety.  The fact that Vonn Bell could also "cover like a corner" was brought up practically every time his name was mentioned in the coverage of the draft.   

Of course, Darron Lee actually played a "hybrid" position for Ohio State the last two seasons.  His versatility couldn't have been more obvious. 

Most teams feature a hybrid player on at least one side of the ball these days - usually both.  Urban Meyer has been at the forefront of this philosophy for years.  The "pet theory" is that he and his staff may be taking that to yet another level this season. 

Most 11W regulars are familiar with Ohio State's "walk-out linebacker" position.  The idea is that the strong side linebacker is actually kind of a cross between a safety and a linebacker.  Besides his traditional responsibilities at linebacker, he has the ability to "walk out" wide to provide real (nickel-like) help in coverage when necessary. 

Naturally, this means the Buckeyes don't have to go to a nickel as often as teams who don't use this system.  Of course, that leaves those defenses more vulnerable to the run - as well as forcing additional substitutions. 

There are a few reasons every team doesn't use this system.  The most obvious being that not every team has a player who can perform both roles at a high enough level.  Darron Lee was an early draft pick for a reason. 

For example, Michigan is going to try to use defensive back, Jabrill Peppers, at SLB this year in their version of a hybrid linebacker.  No matter what one's opinion may be of Peppers - he is a fine athlete.  However, at under 6'0" - 210lbs, he hardly qualifies as a true hybrid linebacker.  More of a glorified nickel.  Most B1G teams will run right at that. 

Obviously, the Wolverines don't have a Darron Lee type of player on their roster.  Few teams do.  But Ohio State does.

Now, take a look at the Buckeyes' walk-out linebacker, Chris Worley.  A converted safety, Worley has been able to bulk-up his 6' 2" frame to 225lbs while still keeping his safety-like speed and agility.  Believe it or not, it's thought he should be able to slide in to Lee's old position rather seamlessly. 

So what's really changed?  This season, Ohio State's weak side linebacker, Dante Booker, will be just about as athletically gifted - and potentially, versatile - as their strong side linebacker. 

Offensive coordinators who might normally have thought they could cause some confusion and/or mismatches with last second changes in formation strength through shifts, motions, etc. will be frustrated by another hybrid-capable linebacker on the weak side. 

Anyone who's followed Joshua Perry's career has to be a fan.  But Booker's athleticism is at another level and that should allow him to do more things in coverage. 

There were a few instances in games last season in which Perry was isolated in man coverage with a back.  While he is surprisingly fast for his size - it was often still a bit of a mismatch.  That will not be the case as much with Booker.  Perhaps, not at all. 

Middle linebacker and team captain, Raekwon McMillan, has said Booker is one of the fastest players on this year's defense - regardless of position.  Let that sink in a moment.  This is a 6'3" - and approx - 240lb athlete.  His presence will remove some tools from opposing offensive coordinators as they attempt to create mismatches. 

Don't be surprised this season to see Booker just "walk out" like the SLB normally would if an offense tries something tricky involving sudden changes in formation strength, etc.  Saving DCs, Luke Fickell and Greg Schiano some headaches in the process.  Essentially, Ohio State could have hybrids at both OLB positions. 

Just one more way this team could be scary-good this season -