Ohio State OC Chip Kelly labels the ‘unsung hero’ for the Buckeyes ahead of National Championship
Ohio State has had to adjust on the fly multiple times this season on their road to the National Championship game. It was known that the expanded College Football Playoff format would test depth more than ever and that looks to be true. Ohio State has played 15 games this season, the most they have […]
Ohio State has had to adjust on the fly multiple times this season on their road to the National Championship game.
It was known that the expanded College Football Playoff format would test depth more than ever and that looks to be true. Ohio State has played 15 games this season, the most they have ever played.
The offensive line has been hit hard with injuries this season. Back in October, the Buckeyes lost future NFL draft pick LT Josh Simmons to a season-ending injury. Prior to the game against Michigan, C Seth McLaughlin went down with an Achilles injury. Still, that has not stopped the Buckeyes and the offensive line has found a way.
Ohio State’s unsung hero is no other than Donovan Jackson
During Tuesday’s media availability, OC Chip Kelly pointed out that Jackson has been a hero for the Buckeyes this season.
"I think Donnie's been an unsung hero for what he's done,” Kelly stated. “It speaks to his whole mission of why he came back here and how unselfish he is, and we all look at Donnie as a leader on the offensive side of the ball."
Jackson was originally the team’s left guard this season, as he was last year. When Simmons went down, Jackson was able to make a seamless switch out to tackle. Ohio State was better fit to replace a guard on the interior, which now looks to be sophomore Luke Montgomery.
Through the back half of this season, Jackson has upped his draft stock by showing that he has the ability to play more than one spot along the offensive line at a high level. Jackson’s versatility is one reason the Buckeyes have gotten to this point, just a game away from winning it all.
Following this season, Jackson will be off to the NFL and the Buckeyes will lose their most versatile offensive linemen. If the Buckeyes can beat Notre Dame on Monday, Jackson will be sent off on the right note.
