money One last Ohio State defensive depth chart projection for 2021
We’ve already taken a stab at one last offensive two-deep depth chart for the Ohio State football team, and now we’re switching sides of the ball and giving a run at what the defensive side of the ball might look like just before an American football game breaks out up in the Twin Cities.
Unlike the offensive end, the players are harder to figure out because there are more unknowns, including a bit of a change-up in scheme and formation to try and correct some of the issues that side of the ball had last season.
With a brand new linebacker corps as well as wholesale changes on the back-end, things are going to look a lot different than what they did in 2020. Hopefully, it makes a big difference in a more productive unit.
Here is how we see the defensive depth chart shaping up when the scarlet and gray run out of the tunnel in Minneapolis Thursday night.
Defensive Tackle (3-technique)
Ohio State defensive tackle Haskell Garrett celebrates after batting a pass and catching it for a touchdown during the second quarter. Credit: USA TODAY Sports
Starter
Haskell Garrett
Class in 2021: Senior Measurables: 6-foot, 2-inches, 299-pounds Hometown: Las Vegas, Nevada
Backup
Jerron Cage
Class in 2021: Senior Measurables: 6-foot, 2-inches, 299-pounds Hometown: Cincinnati, Ohio
Where things stand
Garrett is obviously going to start. There was some experimenting with him and Taron Vincent on the field at the same time, and we think one of them moves to the nose. In the end, we think Garrett locks down the spot where excelled last season, with Jerron Cage adding good depth in a rotation behind him.
Defensive Tackle (Nose)
Ohio State Buckeyes defensive tackle Taron Vincent (6) runs a drill during Ohio State's first football practice of fall camp at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center in Columbus on Wednesday, Aug. 4, 2021. Credit: USA TODAY Sports
Starter
Taron Vincent
Class in 2021: Junior Measurables: 6-foot, 2-inches, 295-pounds Hometown: Baltimore, Maryland
Backup
Antwuan Jackson
Class in 2021: Senior Measurables: 6-foot, 2-inches, 295-pounds Hometown: Ellenwood, Georgia
Where things stand
We are making the unpopular call that Taron Vincent will take over the nose tackle spot to get both him and Garrett on the field on the top line. If the move isn't made, then he'll back up Garrett with Antwaun Jackson likely slotting in as the starter.
Defensive End
Dec 28, 2019; Glendale, AZ, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes defensive end Zach Harrison (33) against the Clemson Tigers during the 2019 Fiesta Bowl college football playoff semifinal game at State Farm Stadium. Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Starter
Zach Harrison
Class in 2021: Junior Measurables: 6-foot, 6-inches, 265-pounds Hometown: Lewis Center, Ohio
Backup
J.T. Tuimoloau
Class in 2021: Freshman Measurables: 6-foot, 4-inches, 275-pounds Hometown: Edgewood, Washington
Where things stand
Harrison has one spot locked up and might show all that promise we've been waiting for. Javontae-Jean Baptiste and Cormontae Hamilton will get into the rotation, but we like the super freshman Tuimoloau to elbow his way into the two-deep because of his natural talent and motor.
Tyreke Smith
Jan 1, 2021; New Orleans, LA, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes defensive end Tyreke Smith (11) celebrates after tackling Clemson Tigers quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) in the third quarter during the College Football Playoff semifinal at the Allstate Sugar Bowl in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans on Friday, Jan. 1, 2021. Credit: Ken Ruinard-USA TODAY Sports
Starter
Tyreke Smith
Class in 2021: Senior Measurables: 6-foot, 4-inches, 267-pounds Hometown: Cleveland, Ohio
Backup
Jack Sawyer
Class in 2021: Freshman Measurables: 6-foot, 5-inches, 248-pounds Hometown: Pickerington, Ohio
Where things stand
Zach Harrison gets the most love for becoming an issue this year, but Tyreke Smith might end up being better. He came on at the end of last season and is certain to lock up the other edge-rushing spot to start the year. However, freshman Jack Sawyer has shown that he's too talented and mature as a youngster to keep off the field. He'll get plenty of meaningful snaps to keep the bodies fresh.
Linebacker (Mike)
Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Cody Simon (30) rushes toward defensive backs coach Larry Johnson during football training camp at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center in Columbus on Friday, Aug. 6, 2021. Credit: USA TODAY Sports
Starter
Cody Simon
Class in 2021: Sophomore Measurables: 6-foot, 2-inches, 233-pounds Hometown: Jersey City, New Jersey
Backup
Dallas Gant
Class in 2021: Senior Measurables: 6-foot, 3-inches, 232-pounds Hometown: Toledo, Ohio
Where things stand
No change here from our beginning of fall camp projection. Simon looks like he has separated himself and will man the middle of the defense unless Gant has been able to get healthy enough from injury to supplant him. This might eventually be the senior Gant's position down the road, but for game one, we'll go with a healthy Stover.
Linebacker (Will)
Teradja Mitchell (3), here leaving the field with cornerback Cameron Brown following the spring game on April 17, could start at weakside linebacker this season. Credit: USA TODAY Sports
Starter
Teradja Mitchell
Class in 2021: Senior Measurables: 6-foot, 2-inches, 240-pounds Hometown: Virginia Beach, Virginia
Backup
K’Vaughan Pope
Class in 2021: Senior Measurables: 6-foot, 1-inch, 225-pounds Hometown: Dinwiddie, Virginia
Where things stand
Mitchell starting here is locked in. He is one of six captains and has continued to draw high praise from the coaching staff. It's his time to shine. Behind him, it's a little unknown. We like Pope to get the backup nod over Tommy Eichenberg for now, but that could easily flip, depending on situations.
Bullet (linebacker/safety)
Ronnie Hickman (14) was the No. 3-ranked player in New Jersey and, after redshirting in 2019, made three tackles last year. Credit: USA TODAY Sports
Starter
Ronnie Hickman
Class in 2021: Sophomore Measurables: 6-foot, 1-inch, 205-pounds Hometown: Wayne, New Jersey
Backup
Craig Young
Class in 2021: Junior Measurables: 6-foot, 3-inches, 228-pounds Hometown: Fort Wayne, Indiana
Where things stand
Yes, the bullet is really going to be a bigger part of the defense this year, or so we've been led to believe. We're keeping this where we had it early in fall camp as well, though this is much more unknown than other positions. Hickman and Young have both gotten a lot of reps, but the call here is for the sophomore Hickman to have the slight edge over Young for now. This could easily change as the season goes on with both receiving significant playing time. And don't forget about Kourt Williams who is coming back from an ACL tear last year and could ultimately be a game-changer at this spot.
Cornerback (Outside No. 1)
Jan 11, 2021; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes cornerback Sevyn Banks (7) against the Alabama Crimson Tide in the 2021 CFP National Championship Game. Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Starter
Sevyn Banks
Class in 2021: Senior Measurables: 6-foot, 1-inch, 200-pounds Hometown: Orlando, Florida
Backup
Ryan Watts
Class in 2021: RS Freshman Measurables: 6-foot, 3-inches, 205-pounds Hometown: Little Elm, Texas
Where things stand
Sevyn Banks is expected to have a breakout year and be potentially one of the best cornerbacks in the country. Hopefully, that's the case, but either way, he has the No. 1 spot locked up. Ryan Watts has impressed in fall camp and will spell him when he needs a breather.
Cornerback (Outside No. 2)
Cornerback Cameron Brown, here diving in a drill on Friday, feels confident after missing most of last season with an Achilles injury. Credit: USA TODAY Sports
Starter
Cameron Brown
Class in 2021: Senior Measurables: 6-foot, 192-pounds Hometown: Saint Louis, Missouri
Backup
Jakailin Johnson
Class in 2021: Freshman Measurables: 6-foot, 185-pounds Hometown: St. Louis, Missouri
Where things stand
This one is hard to project because of the depth and youth being served. As long as Cameron Brown is healthy though, he'll get the nod as the starter. We originally had Lejond Cavazos slotted as the backup, but he has dealt with injuries and may be a long-term play instead of a significant factor early in the season. For now, we're going to go with a freshman that has looked mighty impressive in the fall with a tremendous upside Jakailin Johnson. Keep in mind though that this will likely change throughout the season as guys continue to compete.
Safety (Free)
Nov 21, 2020; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Indiana Hoosiers wide receiver Whop Philyor (1) breaks the tackle of Ohio State Buckeyes safety Josh Proctor (41) and scores the touchdown during the second quarter at Ohio Stadium. Credit: Joseph Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports
Starter
Josh Proctor
Class in 2021: Senior Measurables: 6-foot, 2-inches, 195-pounds Hometown: Owasso, Oklahoma
Backup
Marcus Hooker
Class in 2021: Sophomore Measurables: 5-foot, 11-inches, 200-pounds Hometown: New Castle, Pennsylvania
Where things stand
There is little doubt that Josh Proctor will be the starter at the free safety position. He's added some muscle and the coaching staff has lauded praise on his development. We've also been high on him being an under-the-radar breakout player for this OSU defense. Marcus Hooker is too talented and experienced to not be the backup as long as he can keep his nose clean. We'll get a good indication of where he is when the real depth chart is examined and observed.
Safety (cover)
Marcus Williamson goes through spring drills at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center. Credit: Ohio State Dept. of Athletics
Starter
Marcus Williamson
Class in 2021: Sophomore Measurables: 5-foot, 10-inches, 185-pounds Hometown: Westerville, Ohio
Backup
Lathan Ransom
Class in 2021: Sophomore Measurables: 6-foot, 195-pounds Hometown: San Antonio, Texas
Where things stand
Ohio State has used one high safety in the past, but the coaching staff has continued to refer to two safeties and has shown it more often than not throughout fall camp. This is a tough call because of the versatility needed to play this position but Williamson is a returning starter, so we'll pencil him in for now. However, Lathan Ransom has made a real mark this fall and might end up being the guy here if he isn't already. Both will see ample time more than likely.
Kicker
Aug 31, 2019; Charlotte, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels place kicker Noah Ruggles (97) kicks a field goal during the third quarter against the South Carolina Gamecocks at Bank of America Stadium. Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
Starter
Noah Ruggles
Class in 2021: Graduate Senior Measurables: 6-foot, 2-inches, 190-pounds Hometown: Odessa, Florida
Backup
Jake Seibert
Class in 2021: RS Freshman Measurables: 6-foot, 1-inch, 200-pounds Hometown: Cincinnati, Ohio
Where things stand
This has been an extremely close race and there hasn't been any indication of who will be trusted when the seal is broken on the season. To be fair, Ryan Day has stated that he's like to see more consistency from both, but in the end, we say the experience of grad transfer Noah Ruggles wins out on the younger Jake Seibert who is eventually going to be the future of the kicking game.
Punter
Ohio State punter Jesse Mirco warms up before the start of an NCAA college spring football game in Columbus, Ohio, Saturday, April 17, 2021. (AP Photo/Paul Vernon)
Starter
Jesse Mirco
Class in 2021: Freshman Measurables: 6-foot, 4-inches, 220-pounds Hometown: Fremantle, Australia
Backup
Michael O’Shaughnessy
Class in 2021: Sophomore Measurables: 6-foot, 3-inches 208-pounds Hometown: New Albany, Ohio
Where things stand
The Australian Mirco is the unquestioned starter taking over for Drue Chrisman, with central Ohio native Michael O'Shaughnessy ready should he be called upon. [listicle id=57233] Contact/Follow us @BuckeyesWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Ohio State news, notes and opinion.
1
1
