Multiple Ohio State Buckeyes named to watch list for major college football award
Ohio State’s defense is getting some recognition months before the season with high expositions for the unit in 2024. The Buckeyes are well represented with three players on the Lott IMPACT Trophy Watch List, which is given to the player who has had the biggest impact on his team both on and off the field. […]
Ohio State’s defense is getting some recognition months before the season with high expositions for the unit in 2024.
The Buckeyes are well represented with three players on the Lott IMPACT Trophy Watch List, which is given to the player who has had the biggest impact on his team both on and off the field. The award is named after former NFL star and Hall of Famer Ronnie Lott.
Ohio State defenders on the Lott IMPACT Trophy Watch List
- CB Denzel Burke
- S Caleb Downs
- J.T. Tuimoloau
Overall, the watch list is comprised of 18 defensive backs, 13 defensive linemen, and 11 linebackers. There are 13 players from SEC schools, the most of any conference, followed by the Big Ten with 12, while the ACC and Big 12 each have seven players on the watch list, to go with three from independents.
For the Buckeyes, Burke and Downs are among the best defensive backs in the country. Both were All-Americans a season ago and expected to be a huge part of the defense.
Tuimoloau came back to Ohio State to try to improve his draft stock and if he does that, perhaps he will be among the best pass rushers in the country. The Senior had five sacks last year and a combined seven in the two previous seasons. To win this award, Tuimoloau would need to put up a double-digit sack season.
After having a successful season as a unit last season, Ohio State’s defense should be among the best in football once again. All of these players will have a part in making that happen in Jim Knowles’ unit. Other defenders like Tyleik Williams, Jack Sawyer, Sonny Styles, and Lathan Ransom will have a big impact on the defense too.
September is a ways away, but we’re already looking at who could be the top defender in the country who makes a big impact. The Buckeyes have a few players who could be just that, this list shows.
Buckeyes are going to get their chance to impress a five-star offensive tackle that would be a huge get
The Buckeyes will have a chance.
