Ohio State’s strength may already be obvious that is going to help them compete for it all
Ohio State’s defense is now in year No. 3 under Jim Knowles’ leadership and the foundation of his system is firmly set. We could see the defense take off and be the key to success in 2024. This spring, the defense has been ahead of the offense and it has shown to be a group […]
Ohio State’s defense is now in year No. 3 under Jim Knowles’ leadership and the foundation of his system is firmly set. We could see the defense take off and be the key to success in 2024.
This spring, the defense has been ahead of the offense and it has shown to be a group that could be very legit in the fall.
"When you look at our defense, when you look at the back end, you look at the front and then those linebackers, I mean, it's a good-looking group," Day said following the spring game. "And you saw that all spring. They're flying around, they're getting it. And they all want to play more and show off in this game."
The starters stepped in first for the defense and there. A ton of guys decided to return like Jack Sawyer, Denzel Burke, and Lathan Ransom to name a few. But during the spring game, it was the depth stepping up, as it normally is. In 2024 and beyond depth going to be more important than ever with more games being played with the College Football Playoff expansion.
“Our DBs are BIA, best in America,” defensive coordinator Jim Knowles said. “We led the country in pass defense (last year), I think it was 96th when I got here, and it was No. 1 last year. So they’ve taken that spirit. It’s a competitive spirit, it’s an expectation now. It doesn’t matter who we’re going with, they view it as the standard.”
Players like Jaylen McClain, Calvin Simpson-Hunt, Aaron Scott Jr., and Jermaine Mathews stepped up during the spring game in the defensive backfield. It is going to be crucial for the Buckeyes to have them doing that late in the season and could be key.
“Probably the best room I’ve had since I’ve been here,” Burke said. “Camaraderie is good (and) we’re tight. We do everything together and the sky’s the limit. My job is just to continue to bring the younger guys up and show them what it is and what it means to be on the field and represent BIA.”
Ryan Day updates where the Ohio State quarterback battle stands following spring game
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