It's the offseason and Athlon is ranking the top 25 PreSpring ball players. Buckeyes check it at numbers 15, 6, 5, and 1.
15. Tyquan Lewis, DE, Ohio State
Lewis is one of the top breakout candidates for 2016. With Joey Bosa and Adolphus Washington departing, the Buckeyes will be looking for new standouts to emerge. Lewis looks like a future star after recording eight sacks and 14 tackles for a loss last year.
6. Pat Elflein, OL, Ohio State
Ohio State’s offensive line is in rebuild mode after the departure of three starters this offseason. However, the cupboard isn’t bare for coach Urban Meyer. Elflein started all 13 games at right guard for the Buckeyes last year and earned first-team All-Big Ten honors. Elflein is expected to slide from guard to center for 2016.
5. Raekwon McMillan, LB, Ohio State
McMillan is poised for a breakout season as the new leader for Ohio State’s defense. The Buckeyes lose a good chunk of talent from last year’s standout group, but a quick rebuild is in store. McMillan is one of the building blocks for new co-coordinator Greg Schiano, as the former five-star recruit anchors the defense after recording 119 tackles in 2015.
1. J.T. Barrett, QB, Ohio State
There’s no quarterback controversy in Columbus this season. After last season’s back-and-forth battle between Barrett and Cardale Jones, Barrett is the clear No. 1 quarterback. Continuity and clarity at the position should help Ohio State’s offense build off back-to-back performances of over 40 points in the last two games of 2015. Barrett should resemble the quarterback that accumulated 3,772 yards and 45 overall touchdowns in 2014.
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