If you have followed us at all, you know that we routinely put out a few depth chart projections throughout the year until all the fun starts for real. We’re just two weeks away from knowing what that depth chart officially is, so we’re taking one last stab at it because, well — inquiring minds want to know.
Some of this could, and probably will change once the next two weeks of competition separate things a little more, but right now, here’s our best educated guess as to where things stand. This is based on observations and notes coming out of practice, and what the coaches have said in media sessions.
So, here we go …
Quarterback
1. Justin Fields
2. Gunnar Hoak
Ryan Day will be officially naming a starter on Monday according to his comments, but it’ll be a major surprise if it isn’t Fields. Especially after the flowing remarks directed towards the Georgia transfer Wednesday.
Running Back
1. J.K. Dobbins
2. Demario mccall
Nobody has really stepped up to take the backup role during spring and fall, but for now, we’ll give the nod to the experience and playmaking ability of McCall. Look for Master Teague to push for time though if he can stay healthy.
Next … A WR corps that’s younger but still deep
Slot/H-Back
1. K.J. Hill
2. Jaealen gill
Hill is the unquestioned guy here and will probably leave Ohio State as the all-time leader in receptions. There’s still competition between Gill and C.J. Saunders, and it could really go either way. Right now the call is for Gill who began to separate himself in the spring.
Wide Receiver
1. Austin Mack
2. Chris Olave
1. binjimen victor
2. garrett wilson*
All four will get almost equal playing time, and Wilson is a guy for the future. Right now though, he’s currently in a donnybrook for the main rotation with Jaylen Harris. When it’s all said and done, I think Wilson’s freakish playmaking ability will win out.
Tight End
1. Luke Ferrel
2. roshod berry
Jeremy Ruckert could factor in here and will still get on the field, but right now, the experience of theses two is winning out.
Next … New guys but experience on the O-line
Center
1. josh Myers
2. Harry Miller*
Myers seems to have locked this down with the young Miller pushing up with his play in camp.
Left Guard
1. Jonah Jackson
2. matthew jones
Jackson is one of the reasons those close to the program believe the offensive line will be just fine despite having to replace four starters. He was All-Big Ten last season and has a chance at repeating.
Right Guard
1. Wyatt Davis
2. Gavin Cupp
Davis appears to be a pretty good bet here. Be on the lookout for how the shuffling occurs though. If the coaches try to get the best five on the field, there could be shuffling.
Left Tackle
1. thayer munford
2. Joshua Alabi
Munford made a name for himself last year and will be locked in at left tackle. Alabi provides depth if needed.
Right Tackle
1. Brandon Bowen
2. Nicholas Petit-Frere*
Petit-Frere seems to be reaching the potential we all knew he had when he picked Ohio State at the wire last year, but Bowen’s experience before he dealt with injury will win out. Look for Petit-Frere to maybe take this over though later in the year.
Next … Same story at D-line. Deep and talented.
Defensive End
1. chase young
2. tyreke SMith
1. jonathon cooper
2. tyler friday
Young is a sure thing on one side and experience will win out for now, but all four will get ample playing time as 1A and 1B type options. Keep an eye on freshman Zach Harrison as the season progresses.
Defensive Tackle
1. Davon Hamilton
2. RObert Landers
1. josh cornell
2. taron vincent
IT’s another deep and talented defensive line and once again, being in the two-deep here means your going to log as many minutes as the other three. Others will factor in too, but right now these four seem to have separated themselves.
Next … An improved linebacking group?
Strong-Side Linebacker
1. malik harrison
2. dallas gant
Harrison flashed enough at the end of last year to hold things down here for now. The competition at the linebacker spot though is one that the coaches have a lot of confidence in. We’ll see how it all shakes out.
Middle Linebacker
1. Tuf Borland
2. baron browning
Borland is coming back from injury and should be much better this year. He’ll likely grab this spot with the athletically gifted Browning right behind him.
Weak-Side Linebacker
1. pete werner
2. teradja mitchell
New co-defensive coordinator sure loves him some Pete Werner. He may not be the most athletically gifted, but he brings his lunch pail and has a toughness and blue color approach that will probably earn him the starting spot here.
Next … A secondary that could be special
Cornerback
1. Jeffrey Okudah
2. shaun wade
1. damon arnette
2. Sevyn Banks
The two starting spots might be the best in the Big Ten, but all four will get on the field a lot. Okudah might end up being the best corner in the Big ten when it’s all said and done.
Safety
1. Jordan Fuller
2. isaiah pryor
Safety
1. Brendon White
2. josh proctor
Fuller is an All-Big Ten guy that has a spot sealed. White has made a name for himself in the new bullet position, but that’s just a glorified name for a free safety that will roam the field a little more vertically.
Next … The specialists
Punter
1. Drue chrisman
2. jake metzer
A no-brainer here. Chrisman is one of the best in the country.
Field Goals
1. blake Haubeil
2. Zach hoover
Haubeil is still the clear cut call here.
Kickoffs
1. Blake Haubeil
2. zach hoover
Hoover gets time on kick-offs only if Haubeil struggles.
* Freshman
