In honor of the two-minute drill, I'll be putting together our best guesses at the defensive depth chart before Urban Meyer and Ohio State releases the "official" two-deep. It's Buffalo week, and the 2013 season kicks off in five days. Without further ado, here's what your Buckeyes defense should look like on gameday.
DE:
The two starting ends will be sophomores Noah Spence and Adolphous "Diesel" Washington. Spence is your pure pass rusher, or "Leo," while Washington will hold down the strong-side position. Backing up the young studs should be Steve Miller, Tyquan Lewis, and Jamal Marcus. Freshman Joey Bosa may see spot-duty at the strong-side defensive end position.
DT:
Michael Bennett has established himself as a starting tackle. Joel Hale and Tommy Schutt are in a battle for the nose tackle spot. Hale may get the nod early, but Schutt will probably be starting by season's end. In addition, man-beast Chris Carter (now below 340 lbs.) should see some goal-line and short yardage duty. Michael Hill and the previously-mentioned Joey Bosa should also be backups.
WLB:
Ryan Shazier is the only returning starter from last year's front seven. Behind him may be a variety of young guys - most likely Craig Fada or Camren Williams.
MLB:
For now, Luke Fickell will roll out Curtis Grant. The former five-star recruit has struggled his entire college career to grasp the increased speed of the game, but the junior will get another shot to start this season. Pushing for that spot will be true freshman Mike Mitchell and walk-on Joe Burger.
SLB:
Josh Perry is listed as the starter for the SAM position, but the sophomore has very limited game experience. Behind him are true freshman Trey Johnson and perhaps Camren Williams.
STAR/Nickel:
The Buckeyes will employ quite a bit of a 4-2-5 nickel defense against some of the spread and pass-happy offenses. The nickel-back will likely by Tyvis Powell, though he is being pushed by stud freshman Vonn Bell and Corey "Pittsburgh" Brown. Brown is projected as the starter for the "Dime back" position should the Buckeyes go 3-2-6 against five-wide sets. Cam Burrows will be a backup there.
CB:
Though he will miss the first game due to suspension, Bradley Roby should be back with force for the remainder of the season. The All-American is on the Thorpe pre-season watch list and should go in the top 15 of the 2014 NFL draft if all goes according to plan. Opposite of him will be junior Doran Grant. Behind those two are sophomore Armani Reeves (starting in Roby's place against Buffalo) and freshmen Gareon Conley and Eli Apple.
SS:
Christian Bryant is being looked at as a leader for the defensive unit. Hopefully he has matured enough and won't take any stupid 15-yard penalties this season. His backups are likely to be Corey Brown and Vonn Bell.
FS:
C.J. Barnett is another veteran in the defensive backfield. He, Bryant, and Roby are all four-year players who have started the last three seasons. Ron Tanner is likely to be his backup.
Specialists:
Freshman Aussie Cameron Johnston is slated to be the starting punter. Hopefully he can deliver Brad Wing-like results. Senior Drew Basil has become a solid kicker inside of 50 yards. Bryce Haynes is the long snapper.
Coach Meyer has said they have a variety of options at returner - Corey "Philly" Brown, Devin Smith, Bradley Roby, Dontre Wilson, Jordan Hall, Rod Smith, and Jalin Marshall have all been speculated to be returners. Even senior Chris Fields returned a punt for a TD in 2011. There's an embarrassment of riches to choose from in this department.
Finally, the team will hold voting today for the 2013 captains. Jack Mewhort is already set in stone as one - Urban said as much at the end of spring practice. Braxton Miller and Christian Bryant are the next two in line as they went to B1G Media Days. Other candidates include 2012 captain Jordan Hall, Ryan Shazier, C.J. Barnett, Corey (WR) Brown, Corey Linsley, Kenny Guiton, and Michael Bennett. The bet from the 614 is Mewhort, Miller, Bryant, Hall, and Shazier. Ohio State will make an announcement later today.
We will post a preview of the entire 2013 season on Friday. Football week is upon us. Enjoy it everyone!
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