JeffHCross
04-12-2015, 10:30 AM
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Another surprise national championship run is in the books, and now Coach Jeff HCross is tasked with defending his second championship in four years. But last year's championship run was largely borne on the backs of fourth year seniors that had began their careers with the first championship in 2014. Now all of those two-time champions have departed. Have the Buckeyes recruited well enough to reload? Or will they be forced to rebuild?
Quarterbacks
Player
Pos.
Ht, Wt
Year
Rating
Comp
Att
Yards
TD
INT
Comp
Rate
Yards/
Att.
Sacks
Sack Rate
Jason Roberson
QB
6'1”, 243
Grad
41
61
533
9
5
67.2%
8.7
3
4.7%
Torrance Gibson
QB
5'11”, 179
JR
97
164
240
1912
20
9
68.3%
8.0
5
2.0%
David Cox
QB
6'3”, 223
JR
84
0
0
0
0
0
0.0%
0
0.0%
0.0
Junior-to-be Torrance Gibson and graduated senior Jason Roberson split time last season after Roberson took the starting job last spring. But Roberson's production early in the season, particularly against Florida, was not impressive enough to maintain the job. Gibson was given a chance after two consecutive bye weeks preceded the conference schedule, and he never relenquished it after that. Now Roberson has graduated, and the job is Gibson's, sink or swim.
Gibson's career hasn't gotten off to the best start, coming in as the freshman phenom two seasons ago, yet he has split time in each of the last two years. But the last three games of last season gave Buckeye fans something to talk about around the water coolor. Gibson's last three games, against the best competition the Buckeyes played all season, might be the greatest three game run for a Buckeye quarterback since Cardale Jones. Gibson had an 80% competion rate, threw for 873 yards, and an 8:1 TD-to-INT ratio. Projected over an entire season, Gibson's final three games would have him as the fourth-best returning quarterback in terms of yards. The Buckeye faithful can only dream of such production.
David Cox enters his junior season having never seen the field for the Buckeyes, but he will be the backup this year. Barring significant injury, JUCO transfer Jon Norwood is expected to redshirt this season.
Running Backs
Player
Rushes
Yards
TD
Yards/
Carry
% of Team
Yards
Kris Davis
1010
6653
69
6.6
46.9%
Kris Davis is gone. That is the reality faced by Buckeye fans around the country as the glow from the national championship dimmed. Davis, the star running back who carried for over 50% of the Buckeyes' rushing yards in each of the last three years, and was the primary workhorse for two national championship seasons, has graduated. However, he will live forever in the record books, as Davis' 6653 yards set the all-time rushing mark, breaking Ron Dayne's record.
Player
Pos.
Ht, Wt
Year
Rating
Rushes
Yards
TD
Yards/
Carry
% of Team
Yards
Kris Davis
HB
6'0”, 217
Grad
292
1850
13
6.3
51.5%
Paul Robinson
HB
5'10”, 212
Grad
6
17
0
Drew Thornton
HB
5'11”, 208
JR
89
82
800
8
9.8
22.3%
Walter Ford
HB
6'0”, 207
JR
81
:3star: JR
Louis Rhodes
WR
6'4”, 198
SR
84
4
10
0
2.5
0.3%
Ray Hines
WR/HB
5'11”, 220
SO
79
25
122
1
4.9
3.4%
Cory Rivera
FB
6'2”, 241
SR
79
3
19
0
6.3
0.5%
Drew Thornton was expected to play a change-of-pace role again last season, and for the most part he did well in spelling Davis from time to time. Thornton's best accomplishment was keeping Davis fresh throughout the game, allowing the star to continue to eat up yards, even in the fourth quarter. This year, the ball is Thornton's from the opening kick to the final gun. Thanks to a few long runs, Thornton's yards per carry were actually better than Davis last season, and rivaled national rushing leader Roger Edwards. With a full season with the primary back role his, expect Thornton to dramatically increase his rushing yards this season.
Ray Hines was the #3 back last season, and while he was the fastest Buckeye offensive player, he found it difficult to get loose running the ball. This year he has moved to wide receiver, though he is expected to still line up in the backfield from time to time.
Three-star JUCO transfer Walter Ford may come in and be the #2 or #3 option on day one, forgoing a redshirt season.
Receivers
Player
Pos.
Ht, Wt
Year
Rating
Catches
Yards
TD
Yds/
Catch
% of Team
Catches
% of Team
Yards
Garrett Baker
WR
6'3”, 201
Grad
42
656
3
15.6
20.5%
26.8%
John Matthews
WR
6'4”, 232
Grad
5
41
0
8.2
2.4%
1.7%
Lonnie Tidwell
TE
6'7”, 253
Grad
0
0
0
0.0
0.0%
0.0%
Brad Parker
WR
6'4”, 253
JR
93
33
434
5
13.2
16.1%
17.8%
Jonathan Coleman
WR
6'5”, 210
SO
81
29
316
2
10.9
14.1%
12.9%
Louis Rhodes
WR
6'4”, 199
SR
84
22
181
3
0.0
10.7%
7.4%
Ray Hines
WR/HB
5'11”, 220
SO
79
10
135
1
13.5
4.9%
5.5%
Pat Rucker
WR
6'2”, 216
FR
80
Redshirt
Richard Kane
WR
6'3”, 223
FR
80
Redshirt
Lance Marshall
TE
6'3”, 260
SR
88
31
259
8
8.4
15.1%
10.6%
Damian White
TE
6'3”, 245
FR
80
Redshirt
The earlier mentioned improvement of Torrance Gibson in the last three games of the season had a dramatic impact on the wide receiving corps, though particularly on the tight ends, as that position had more receiving yards in the final three games than they'd probably had in the previous three seasons combined.
Departed senior Garrett Baker was the best receiver last season, though Brad Parker, who decided to return for his junior season after considering the NFL, was a reliable threat at the other outside receiver position. Baker's production will be replaced by Jonathan Coleman, who moves from the slot to the outside, and enjoyed a breakout freshman season in that slot position. The two slot positions, as the Buckeyes will frequently line up with four receivers on the field, will be manned by two converted halfbacks, senior Louis Rhodes and sophomore Ray Hines. Rhodes has been flipping between the receiver and running backs meetings rooms for two years now, but last year settled into a slot role that saw increased production; expect that to continue this year. Hines, the fastest player on the field for the Buckeyes, has spent all spring and fall with the wide receivers, and looks to line up in the second slot position. Expect Hines to often take the ball on jet sweeps and option plays, but also threaten defensive backs with his speed. Finally, Pat Rucker and Richard Kane both redshirted last year, and both will factor into the receiver rotation this season.
Lance Marshall made the full time move to tight end last spring and was the primary beneficiary of Torrance Gibson's quarterbacking show late last year. Marshall scored at least one touchdown in each of the last three games, leading the team with eight total. Last year's other primary tight end, Drew Mitchell, is expected to redshirt this year after suffering a possibly season-ending injury in the spring. His spot will be manned by redshirt freshman Damian White, who you may remember was subject of an intense recruiting competition between Penn State and Ohio State in 2016.
Slobs
Player
Pos.
Ht, Wt
Year
Rating
Car. Starts
Car. P'cakes
Car. Sacks
Nate Newberry
LG
6'4”, 277
Grad
43
15
2
Casey Herring
LT
6'5”, 304
Grad
8
3
1
Joshua Newman
LG
6'6”, 297
Grad
34
12
4
Bryan Lacey
RT
6'5”, 303
Grad
48
14
14
Lewis Ortiz
LT
6'3”, 316
SR
85
13
13
1
Robert Busch
LG
6'3”, 348
SO
89
13
15
0
Dwayne Rice
C
6'5”, 323
SR
89
0
2
0
Carlos Bobo
RG
6'3”, 323
JR
88
14
14
2
William Parrish
RT
6'4”, 306
JR
82
9
2
3
Brad McKenzie
RG
6'2”, 269
FR
85
Redshirt
Bryan McKinney
LT
6'4”, 301
JR
84
0
1
0
Danny Outlaw
RT
6'4”, 323
SR
81
0
1
0
Ohio State's offensive line is one of several positions with massive attrition thanks to last year's seniors departing from graduation. In all, 133 career starts on the Buckeye offensive line left with graduation, effectively an average of a three year stater at four different positions. To make matters worse, All-Conference center Nate Moore, who would be returning for his four consecutive year as the starting center, suffered a season ending knee injury during the Buckeye spring game, and will be forced to sit out the season with a medical redshirt.
In theory, the Buckeyes have a capable backup in fifth-year senior Dwayne Rice, but Rice has yet to start a game for the Buckeyes, instead serving as Moore's backup for each of the last three seasons. Now he gets a chance to be the cog in the middle of the line, and the offensive performance may sink or swim with him. The other four line spots are more set, with three starters returning from last season (Lewis Ortiz at left tackle, Robert Busch at left guard, and Carlos Bobo at right guard), and part-time starter William Parrish presumably sliding into the starting right-tackle spot.
Depth for the slobs may be a larger concern, as graduation has left only three known backup linemen, including redshirt freshman Brad McKenzie. Five offensive linemen were recruited last year, but all five need time to develop in a college-capable player, and it's possible none are available this year at any point.
Defensive Line
Player
Pos
Ht, Wt
Year
Rating
Tackles
% of Team
TFL
Sacks
Int
PBU
FF
FR
Brandon Walker
RE
6'1”, 242
Grad
30
5.6%
10
3
Brent McCoy
DT
6'1”, 319
SR
90
27
5.0%
8
3.5
1
Aaron Shaw
LE
6'2”, 266
SR
90
34
6.3%
18
10
1
Marcus Brooks
RE
6'4”, 266
JR
87
5
0.9%
1
1
Jamie Rogers
DT
6'2”, 306
SR
86
1
0.2%
1
Charles May
DT
6'4”, 264
JR
75
0
0.0%
Jonathan Carrington
OLB/DE
6'1”, 236
FR
74
Redshirt
Ryne McFarland
RE
6'2”, 248
FR
80
Redshirt
Two defensive linemen return from last year for the Buckeyes, including All-American Aaron Shaw. Brandon Walker, Shaw's counterpart at defensive end, has graduated and moved on to the NFL. Shaw will continue to bring pressure from his left end position, with space-eater Brent McCoy returning at the nose. Shaw and McCoy combined for 26 tackles for loss last season and 14 sacks, and frankly both want to improve on those numbers. Marcus Brooks showed flashes of talent in little work last season, and slides into the other starting defensive end position. Ryne McFarland, a high school linebacker, will provide depth after redshirt last season. Jamie Rogers and Charles May both return to back up the DT position.
Linebackers
Player
Pos
Ht, Wt
Year
Rating
Tackles
% of Team
TFL
Sacks
Int
PBU
FF
FR
BJ Peoples
MLB
6'4”, 226
Grad
10
1.9%
3
Jerome Thomas
MLB
6'2”, 221
SR
90
79
14.7%
10
4
1
Todd Dingle
MLB
5'11”, 218
JR
82
30
5.6%
2
1
1
Robin Hodges
OLB
6'4”, 257
SR
89
52
9.7%
11
1
3
4
2
1
Daniel Miller
OLB
6'1”, 231
SR
83
38
7.1%
3
2
1
2
Jeremiah Scruggs
MLB
6'1”, 251
JR
82
0
0.0%
Justin Timberlake
MLB
6'4”, 255
SO
80
4
0.7%
1
Robert Rogers
OLB
6'2”, 245
SO
83
9
1.7%
2
0.5
Allen Mason
OLB
6'6”, 238
SO
85
17
3.2%
4
2
1
Jim Williams
OLB
6'1”, 232
FR
79
Redshirt
Isaac Tyler
OLB
6'3”, 236
FR
76
Redshirt
Former strong safety Jerome Thomas moved to the middle linebacker position last season and was a revelation, leading the team in tackles and having the third-most tackles for loss. Thomas's safety skill also came in play, as he got in the way of four passes last season. Needless to say, with attrition at so many other positions, Buckeye fans are glad to see almost the entire linebacking corps return, with Thomas again leading the way in the middle. Todd Dingle, somehow already a junior, will again be the second MLB in 3-4 sets, and the first off the field when a nickelback is needed. Daniel Miller and Robin Hodges will both return to starting positions on the outside. Miller, the fastest Buckeye linebacker since Ryan Shazier, was sometimes replaced last season as his speed often led to overpursuing the ball carrier and being out of position. With another offseason underneath him, expect the lightbulb to finally turn on for Miller. The dependable Hodges returns for his senior campaign and is the odds-on favorite to be named defensive captain. Hodges was the most impactful Buckeye defender last year, leading the team in tackles for loss, interceptions and forced fumbles. If he can add to those stats this season, Buckeyes fans and coaches alike would be very happy. Expect to see a rotation of players in the linebacking corps, with both junior Jeremiah Scruggs and sophomore Justin Timberlake expected to play a role in giving the starters a breather at middle linebacker, and sophomores Robert Rogers and Allen Mason playing a similar role on the outside.
Secondary
Player
Pos
Ht, Wt
Year
Rating
Tackles
% of Team
TFL
Sacks
Int
PBU
FF
FR
Derrick Thomas
CB
5'11”, 203
Grad
37
6.9%
3
1
2
Craig Smith
FS
6'2”, 183
Grad
52
9.7%
3
2
4
Derrick Hall
FS
6'1”, 191
Grad
14
2.6%
3
Lee Gore
SS
5'9”, 169
Grad
45
8.4%
2
2
3
1
Brian Duckett
CB
6'3”, 188
SO
84
31
5.8%
1
2
2
1
Ryan Greene
CB
5'11”, 205
JR
86
24
4.5%
1
1
3
Ryan Robinson
FS
6'1”, 191
FR
81
Redshirt
Andre Massey
SS
5'11”, 169
SO
81
23
4.3%
3
1
Kris Jackson
CB
5'11”, 175
SR
87
29
5.4%
1
8
1
Zach Martin
CB
6'1”, 186
JR
84
0
0.0%
Spencer Woods
CB
6'0”, 199
FR
78
Redshirt
Antwan Williams
FS
5'11”, 192
JR
81
:3star: JR
Justin Broussard
SS
5'11”, 187
SO
77
1
0.2%
1
For the second straight year, the defensive secondary has been depleted by graduation, including the departure of two four-year starters at the safety positions. Buckeye fans and coaches have to face the reality that both strong safety Lee Gore, the face of the defense for the last four seasons, and free safety Craig Smith, who was quietly among the team tackling leaders each of his four seasons, will only be playing on Sundays this season. And left behind is what nearly amounts to a clean slate, with only two defensive backs having anything you could charitably call starting experience. Though, with a clean slate comes the potential for anything to blossom.
Andre Massey came in last season as a talented four-star who looked like a Lee Gore clone. And while his talent didn't translate into wide-receiver-dominating performances, Massey clearly held his own from week 1, and should only grow from there in Year 2. Brian Duckett may have had the most eye-opening debut last season, earning Freshman All-American honors after his 6'3 frame announced itself with two interceptions and two passes broken up. Duckett has more than earned a starting spot this season as a result. Ryan Greene is expected to slide into the other corner spot and do his best shutdown-corner imitation. Last year's starter Kris Jackson, who seemed overmatched at times, is expected to play the nickelback this season.
The only new face this season in the Buckeye secondary belongs to redshirt freshman free safety Ryan Robinson, who will be thrust into a starting role after both last year's starter and backup graduated.
Specialists
Player
Pos
Ht, Wt
Year
Rating
PAT
FG
FG Pct
Punts
Net Avg
TB
P I20
Spencer Cox
K
6'0”, 180
Grad
82
0
0
0%
0
0.0
0
0
Robert Jolly
K
5'9”, 202
SO
88
55
19
86%
14 K/O
Carl Bentley
P
6'2”, 193
SR
93
9
5
100%
20
39.4
15 K/O, 5 P
6
Freshman kicker Robert Jolly had just about as good of a debut season as one could ask for, missing only three field goal attempts last season, with two of those being long attempts that ended just short of the crossbar. With an offseason under his belt, Jolly looks able to hit even those long boomers, and will try to ressurect the Buckeye streak of not missing any field goals. Carl Bentley returns at punter, and can resume kicking duties on demand, after hitting 5/5 field goals down the stretch last season as well. Bentley is now an insane 37/37 for field goals in his career, and has booted 149 kickoffs for touchback.
Wide receiver Ray Hines and halfback Drew Thorton will both return to kick and punt return duties this season. Last year Hines averaged 41 yards per kick return, including three touchdowns. Thorton averaged 30 yards with one touchdown.
Another surprise national championship run is in the books, and now Coach Jeff HCross is tasked with defending his second championship in four years. But last year's championship run was largely borne on the backs of fourth year seniors that had began their careers with the first championship in 2014. Now all of those two-time champions have departed. Have the Buckeyes recruited well enough to reload? Or will they be forced to rebuild?
Quarterbacks
Player
Pos.
Ht, Wt
Year
Rating
Comp
Att
Yards
TD
INT
Comp
Rate
Yards/
Att.
Sacks
Sack Rate
Jason Roberson
QB
6'1”, 243
Grad
41
61
533
9
5
67.2%
8.7
3
4.7%
Torrance Gibson
QB
5'11”, 179
JR
97
164
240
1912
20
9
68.3%
8.0
5
2.0%
David Cox
QB
6'3”, 223
JR
84
0
0
0
0
0
0.0%
0
0.0%
0.0
Junior-to-be Torrance Gibson and graduated senior Jason Roberson split time last season after Roberson took the starting job last spring. But Roberson's production early in the season, particularly against Florida, was not impressive enough to maintain the job. Gibson was given a chance after two consecutive bye weeks preceded the conference schedule, and he never relenquished it after that. Now Roberson has graduated, and the job is Gibson's, sink or swim.
Gibson's career hasn't gotten off to the best start, coming in as the freshman phenom two seasons ago, yet he has split time in each of the last two years. But the last three games of last season gave Buckeye fans something to talk about around the water coolor. Gibson's last three games, against the best competition the Buckeyes played all season, might be the greatest three game run for a Buckeye quarterback since Cardale Jones. Gibson had an 80% competion rate, threw for 873 yards, and an 8:1 TD-to-INT ratio. Projected over an entire season, Gibson's final three games would have him as the fourth-best returning quarterback in terms of yards. The Buckeye faithful can only dream of such production.
David Cox enters his junior season having never seen the field for the Buckeyes, but he will be the backup this year. Barring significant injury, JUCO transfer Jon Norwood is expected to redshirt this season.
Running Backs
Player
Rushes
Yards
TD
Yards/
Carry
% of Team
Yards
Kris Davis
1010
6653
69
6.6
46.9%
Kris Davis is gone. That is the reality faced by Buckeye fans around the country as the glow from the national championship dimmed. Davis, the star running back who carried for over 50% of the Buckeyes' rushing yards in each of the last three years, and was the primary workhorse for two national championship seasons, has graduated. However, he will live forever in the record books, as Davis' 6653 yards set the all-time rushing mark, breaking Ron Dayne's record.
Player
Pos.
Ht, Wt
Year
Rating
Rushes
Yards
TD
Yards/
Carry
% of Team
Yards
Kris Davis
HB
6'0”, 217
Grad
292
1850
13
6.3
51.5%
Paul Robinson
HB
5'10”, 212
Grad
6
17
0
Drew Thornton
HB
5'11”, 208
JR
89
82
800
8
9.8
22.3%
Walter Ford
HB
6'0”, 207
JR
81
:3star: JR
Louis Rhodes
WR
6'4”, 198
SR
84
4
10
0
2.5
0.3%
Ray Hines
WR/HB
5'11”, 220
SO
79
25
122
1
4.9
3.4%
Cory Rivera
FB
6'2”, 241
SR
79
3
19
0
6.3
0.5%
Drew Thornton was expected to play a change-of-pace role again last season, and for the most part he did well in spelling Davis from time to time. Thornton's best accomplishment was keeping Davis fresh throughout the game, allowing the star to continue to eat up yards, even in the fourth quarter. This year, the ball is Thornton's from the opening kick to the final gun. Thanks to a few long runs, Thornton's yards per carry were actually better than Davis last season, and rivaled national rushing leader Roger Edwards. With a full season with the primary back role his, expect Thornton to dramatically increase his rushing yards this season.
Ray Hines was the #3 back last season, and while he was the fastest Buckeye offensive player, he found it difficult to get loose running the ball. This year he has moved to wide receiver, though he is expected to still line up in the backfield from time to time.
Three-star JUCO transfer Walter Ford may come in and be the #2 or #3 option on day one, forgoing a redshirt season.
Receivers
Player
Pos.
Ht, Wt
Year
Rating
Catches
Yards
TD
Yds/
Catch
% of Team
Catches
% of Team
Yards
Garrett Baker
WR
6'3”, 201
Grad
42
656
3
15.6
20.5%
26.8%
John Matthews
WR
6'4”, 232
Grad
5
41
0
8.2
2.4%
1.7%
Lonnie Tidwell
TE
6'7”, 253
Grad
0
0
0
0.0
0.0%
0.0%
Brad Parker
WR
6'4”, 253
JR
93
33
434
5
13.2
16.1%
17.8%
Jonathan Coleman
WR
6'5”, 210
SO
81
29
316
2
10.9
14.1%
12.9%
Louis Rhodes
WR
6'4”, 199
SR
84
22
181
3
0.0
10.7%
7.4%
Ray Hines
WR/HB
5'11”, 220
SO
79
10
135
1
13.5
4.9%
5.5%
Pat Rucker
WR
6'2”, 216
FR
80
Redshirt
Richard Kane
WR
6'3”, 223
FR
80
Redshirt
Lance Marshall
TE
6'3”, 260
SR
88
31
259
8
8.4
15.1%
10.6%
Damian White
TE
6'3”, 245
FR
80
Redshirt
The earlier mentioned improvement of Torrance Gibson in the last three games of the season had a dramatic impact on the wide receiving corps, though particularly on the tight ends, as that position had more receiving yards in the final three games than they'd probably had in the previous three seasons combined.
Departed senior Garrett Baker was the best receiver last season, though Brad Parker, who decided to return for his junior season after considering the NFL, was a reliable threat at the other outside receiver position. Baker's production will be replaced by Jonathan Coleman, who moves from the slot to the outside, and enjoyed a breakout freshman season in that slot position. The two slot positions, as the Buckeyes will frequently line up with four receivers on the field, will be manned by two converted halfbacks, senior Louis Rhodes and sophomore Ray Hines. Rhodes has been flipping between the receiver and running backs meetings rooms for two years now, but last year settled into a slot role that saw increased production; expect that to continue this year. Hines, the fastest player on the field for the Buckeyes, has spent all spring and fall with the wide receivers, and looks to line up in the second slot position. Expect Hines to often take the ball on jet sweeps and option plays, but also threaten defensive backs with his speed. Finally, Pat Rucker and Richard Kane both redshirted last year, and both will factor into the receiver rotation this season.
Lance Marshall made the full time move to tight end last spring and was the primary beneficiary of Torrance Gibson's quarterbacking show late last year. Marshall scored at least one touchdown in each of the last three games, leading the team with eight total. Last year's other primary tight end, Drew Mitchell, is expected to redshirt this year after suffering a possibly season-ending injury in the spring. His spot will be manned by redshirt freshman Damian White, who you may remember was subject of an intense recruiting competition between Penn State and Ohio State in 2016.
Slobs
Player
Pos.
Ht, Wt
Year
Rating
Car. Starts
Car. P'cakes
Car. Sacks
Nate Newberry
LG
6'4”, 277
Grad
43
15
2
Casey Herring
LT
6'5”, 304
Grad
8
3
1
Joshua Newman
LG
6'6”, 297
Grad
34
12
4
Bryan Lacey
RT
6'5”, 303
Grad
48
14
14
Lewis Ortiz
LT
6'3”, 316
SR
85
13
13
1
Robert Busch
LG
6'3”, 348
SO
89
13
15
0
Dwayne Rice
C
6'5”, 323
SR
89
0
2
0
Carlos Bobo
RG
6'3”, 323
JR
88
14
14
2
William Parrish
RT
6'4”, 306
JR
82
9
2
3
Brad McKenzie
RG
6'2”, 269
FR
85
Redshirt
Bryan McKinney
LT
6'4”, 301
JR
84
0
1
0
Danny Outlaw
RT
6'4”, 323
SR
81
0
1
0
Ohio State's offensive line is one of several positions with massive attrition thanks to last year's seniors departing from graduation. In all, 133 career starts on the Buckeye offensive line left with graduation, effectively an average of a three year stater at four different positions. To make matters worse, All-Conference center Nate Moore, who would be returning for his four consecutive year as the starting center, suffered a season ending knee injury during the Buckeye spring game, and will be forced to sit out the season with a medical redshirt.
In theory, the Buckeyes have a capable backup in fifth-year senior Dwayne Rice, but Rice has yet to start a game for the Buckeyes, instead serving as Moore's backup for each of the last three seasons. Now he gets a chance to be the cog in the middle of the line, and the offensive performance may sink or swim with him. The other four line spots are more set, with three starters returning from last season (Lewis Ortiz at left tackle, Robert Busch at left guard, and Carlos Bobo at right guard), and part-time starter William Parrish presumably sliding into the starting right-tackle spot.
Depth for the slobs may be a larger concern, as graduation has left only three known backup linemen, including redshirt freshman Brad McKenzie. Five offensive linemen were recruited last year, but all five need time to develop in a college-capable player, and it's possible none are available this year at any point.
Defensive Line
Player
Pos
Ht, Wt
Year
Rating
Tackles
% of Team
TFL
Sacks
Int
PBU
FF
FR
Brandon Walker
RE
6'1”, 242
Grad
30
5.6%
10
3
Brent McCoy
DT
6'1”, 319
SR
90
27
5.0%
8
3.5
1
Aaron Shaw
LE
6'2”, 266
SR
90
34
6.3%
18
10
1
Marcus Brooks
RE
6'4”, 266
JR
87
5
0.9%
1
1
Jamie Rogers
DT
6'2”, 306
SR
86
1
0.2%
1
Charles May
DT
6'4”, 264
JR
75
0
0.0%
Jonathan Carrington
OLB/DE
6'1”, 236
FR
74
Redshirt
Ryne McFarland
RE
6'2”, 248
FR
80
Redshirt
Two defensive linemen return from last year for the Buckeyes, including All-American Aaron Shaw. Brandon Walker, Shaw's counterpart at defensive end, has graduated and moved on to the NFL. Shaw will continue to bring pressure from his left end position, with space-eater Brent McCoy returning at the nose. Shaw and McCoy combined for 26 tackles for loss last season and 14 sacks, and frankly both want to improve on those numbers. Marcus Brooks showed flashes of talent in little work last season, and slides into the other starting defensive end position. Ryne McFarland, a high school linebacker, will provide depth after redshirt last season. Jamie Rogers and Charles May both return to back up the DT position.
Linebackers
Player
Pos
Ht, Wt
Year
Rating
Tackles
% of Team
TFL
Sacks
Int
PBU
FF
FR
BJ Peoples
MLB
6'4”, 226
Grad
10
1.9%
3
Jerome Thomas
MLB
6'2”, 221
SR
90
79
14.7%
10
4
1
Todd Dingle
MLB
5'11”, 218
JR
82
30
5.6%
2
1
1
Robin Hodges
OLB
6'4”, 257
SR
89
52
9.7%
11
1
3
4
2
1
Daniel Miller
OLB
6'1”, 231
SR
83
38
7.1%
3
2
1
2
Jeremiah Scruggs
MLB
6'1”, 251
JR
82
0
0.0%
Justin Timberlake
MLB
6'4”, 255
SO
80
4
0.7%
1
Robert Rogers
OLB
6'2”, 245
SO
83
9
1.7%
2
0.5
Allen Mason
OLB
6'6”, 238
SO
85
17
3.2%
4
2
1
Jim Williams
OLB
6'1”, 232
FR
79
Redshirt
Isaac Tyler
OLB
6'3”, 236
FR
76
Redshirt
Former strong safety Jerome Thomas moved to the middle linebacker position last season and was a revelation, leading the team in tackles and having the third-most tackles for loss. Thomas's safety skill also came in play, as he got in the way of four passes last season. Needless to say, with attrition at so many other positions, Buckeye fans are glad to see almost the entire linebacking corps return, with Thomas again leading the way in the middle. Todd Dingle, somehow already a junior, will again be the second MLB in 3-4 sets, and the first off the field when a nickelback is needed. Daniel Miller and Robin Hodges will both return to starting positions on the outside. Miller, the fastest Buckeye linebacker since Ryan Shazier, was sometimes replaced last season as his speed often led to overpursuing the ball carrier and being out of position. With another offseason underneath him, expect the lightbulb to finally turn on for Miller. The dependable Hodges returns for his senior campaign and is the odds-on favorite to be named defensive captain. Hodges was the most impactful Buckeye defender last year, leading the team in tackles for loss, interceptions and forced fumbles. If he can add to those stats this season, Buckeyes fans and coaches alike would be very happy. Expect to see a rotation of players in the linebacking corps, with both junior Jeremiah Scruggs and sophomore Justin Timberlake expected to play a role in giving the starters a breather at middle linebacker, and sophomores Robert Rogers and Allen Mason playing a similar role on the outside.
Secondary
Player
Pos
Ht, Wt
Year
Rating
Tackles
% of Team
TFL
Sacks
Int
PBU
FF
FR
Derrick Thomas
CB
5'11”, 203
Grad
37
6.9%
3
1
2
Craig Smith
FS
6'2”, 183
Grad
52
9.7%
3
2
4
Derrick Hall
FS
6'1”, 191
Grad
14
2.6%
3
Lee Gore
SS
5'9”, 169
Grad
45
8.4%
2
2
3
1
Brian Duckett
CB
6'3”, 188
SO
84
31
5.8%
1
2
2
1
Ryan Greene
CB
5'11”, 205
JR
86
24
4.5%
1
1
3
Ryan Robinson
FS
6'1”, 191
FR
81
Redshirt
Andre Massey
SS
5'11”, 169
SO
81
23
4.3%
3
1
Kris Jackson
CB
5'11”, 175
SR
87
29
5.4%
1
8
1
Zach Martin
CB
6'1”, 186
JR
84
0
0.0%
Spencer Woods
CB
6'0”, 199
FR
78
Redshirt
Antwan Williams
FS
5'11”, 192
JR
81
:3star: JR
Justin Broussard
SS
5'11”, 187
SO
77
1
0.2%
1
For the second straight year, the defensive secondary has been depleted by graduation, including the departure of two four-year starters at the safety positions. Buckeye fans and coaches have to face the reality that both strong safety Lee Gore, the face of the defense for the last four seasons, and free safety Craig Smith, who was quietly among the team tackling leaders each of his four seasons, will only be playing on Sundays this season. And left behind is what nearly amounts to a clean slate, with only two defensive backs having anything you could charitably call starting experience. Though, with a clean slate comes the potential for anything to blossom.
Andre Massey came in last season as a talented four-star who looked like a Lee Gore clone. And while his talent didn't translate into wide-receiver-dominating performances, Massey clearly held his own from week 1, and should only grow from there in Year 2. Brian Duckett may have had the most eye-opening debut last season, earning Freshman All-American honors after his 6'3 frame announced itself with two interceptions and two passes broken up. Duckett has more than earned a starting spot this season as a result. Ryan Greene is expected to slide into the other corner spot and do his best shutdown-corner imitation. Last year's starter Kris Jackson, who seemed overmatched at times, is expected to play the nickelback this season.
The only new face this season in the Buckeye secondary belongs to redshirt freshman free safety Ryan Robinson, who will be thrust into a starting role after both last year's starter and backup graduated.
Specialists
Player
Pos
Ht, Wt
Year
Rating
PAT
FG
FG Pct
Punts
Net Avg
TB
P I20
Spencer Cox
K
6'0”, 180
Grad
82
0
0
0%
0
0.0
0
0
Robert Jolly
K
5'9”, 202
SO
88
55
19
86%
14 K/O
Carl Bentley
P
6'2”, 193
SR
93
9
5
100%
20
39.4
15 K/O, 5 P
6
Freshman kicker Robert Jolly had just about as good of a debut season as one could ask for, missing only three field goal attempts last season, with two of those being long attempts that ended just short of the crossbar. With an offseason under his belt, Jolly looks able to hit even those long boomers, and will try to ressurect the Buckeye streak of not missing any field goals. Carl Bentley returns at punter, and can resume kicking duties on demand, after hitting 5/5 field goals down the stretch last season as well. Bentley is now an insane 37/37 for field goals in his career, and has booted 149 kickoffs for touchback.
Wide receiver Ray Hines and halfback Drew Thorton will both return to kick and punt return duties this season. Last year Hines averaged 41 yards per kick return, including three touchdowns. Thorton averaged 30 yards with one touchdown.