RIP
Ohio State legend Nick Mangold dies at 41 years old due to complications from kidney disease.
The depth of the Ohio State defensive backfield took another hit.
Sophomore safety Erick Smith — backup to Vonn Bell — suffered a season-ending ACL injury.
"Cam Burrows and Erick Smith are down for the year," Urban Meyer confirmed Tuesday during the weekly Big Ten teleconference.
Smith is a key member of multiple Ohio State special teams units and the first backup safety off the bench after Bell and Tyvis Powell.
A four-star recruit in Ohio State's 2014 class from Glenville, Smith's tallied six tackles in his team's six games so far in 2015. He had 13 tackles, one interception and a fumble recovery in the Buckeyes 2014 national championship season. Because he played in six games, Smith will not be eligible for a medical redshirt.
Smith is the third Ohio State defensive back set to miss time this season, the second as a result of an injury. Senior Cam Burrows went down with a re-aggravation of a foot injury and had season-ending surgery Oct. 6. The unit did get a bit of good news, however, with the reinstatement of CB Damon Webb.
Freshman Malik Hooker took Burrows' place on the depth chart, but Smith's replacement could be a by-committee approach.
Smith's availability for 2016 spring practice is unknown.
