We’ve already gone through this exercise just after the season ended, but we’ll continue to revisit it as we go through the offseason and on towards real, live American football in the fall.
We now know the early departures for the NFL, there’s a couple of dismissals to make note of, and a slew of early enrollees that will have a chance to make their mark. And with spring football right around the corner, it feels like a good time to do another projection for Ohio State football’s depth chart.
Disclaimer — this is clearly not set in stone and can and will change. But here we go for now with a two-deep.
Quarterback
1. Justin Fields**
2. Gunnar hoak
No change here. Fields is the guy, and based on what we saw last year, look for Gunnar Hoak to get the first crack at the backup job. He’ll be pushed though by incoming freshman C.J. Stroud and Jack Miller.
Running Back
1. Master Teague
2. marcus crowley
Teague still looks like the likely heir apparent to the dynamic Dobbins that’s off to the NFL. Look for Crowley to push for playing time and ultimately grab the backup role. Steele Chambers could also grab the backup spot in and open competition.
Next … the pass catchers
Slot/H-Back
1. Jaealen Gill
2. Demario Mccall
Gill turned heads last year and could be the guy to operate in the slot here. Incoming freshman Jaxon Smith-Njigba could slot into here too, but look for Demario McCall to finally reach his potential and break into some playing time here instead of running back.
Wide Receiver
1. chris olave**
2. Jaxon smith-njigba*
1. Garrett Wilson
2. julian fleming*
Wilson and Olave have the starting spots likely locked up, but behind them is a bevy of talented pass-catchers. It’s anyone’s guess as to how they’ll be spread across the three positions, but the two most-highly touted (Fleming and Smith-Njigba) could and probably should crack the two-deep.
Tight End
1. Luke Farrell**
2. jeremy ruckert
Farrell looks to be the guy here, but Ruckert has also shown he can make big plays when called upon.
Next … the offensive line
Center
1. josh myers**
2. harry miller
Myers’ decision to return makes this an easy pick. Miller is a very talented option just biding his time. He’ll get time, and it’s possible he’ll slot in somewhere else to get the best five on the field, but for now, his natural spot is at center.
Left Guard
1. Enokk Vimahi
2. Max Wray
Someone has to fill the huge shoes of the departed Jonah Jackson, and we like the Hawaiian to take the spot. But it’s wide open beyond him. OSU has more true tackles than guards and our early call here is that Wray slides down as a guard. This one remains in flux though with guys like Ryan Jacoby and Gavin Cupp who could also get a shot.
Right Guard
1. wyatt Davis**
2. matthew jones
Davis is an NFL talent and is going to destroy guys this year. Jones will factor in somewhere depending on where all the shuffling and development lands.
Left Tackle
1. thayer munford**
2. Paris Johnson, Jr*
Munford is back too, so he’s the guy here. Johnson is a five-star talent that the coaching staff might have to make room for. Either way, he’s the future here after getting his feet wet during a freshman campaign.
Right Tackle
1. Nicholas Petit-Frere
2. dawand jones
Jones showed flashes of what he can become last season, but Petit-Frere was a five-star prospect that’s now ready to step in and be an anchor on the right side for the next couple of years.
Next … another talented defensive line
Defensive End
1. jonathon cooper**
2. tyreke smith
1. zach harrison
2. tyler friday
Cooper gets another year as a redshirt and will be a steadying presence on one side. Harrison is ready to break out as the next great defensive end at Ohio State. Smith and Friday’s names come up often when discussing the depth and talent still on this line.
Defensive Tackle
1. tommy togiai
2. taron Vincent
1. haskell garrett
2. Jerron Cage
This spot will be rebuilt a bit, but there’s still talent there. Togiai is going to be a monster in the middle, and if Taron Vincent can breakthrough and remain healthy, he’ll be in the mix. Garrett and Cage also have what it takes to be a part of the rotation this coming year.
Next … the linebacker group
Strong Side Linebacker
1. pete werner**
2. justin hilliard
Both Werner and Hilliard have experience and are back. They will both likely fill the roles they had last year unless Hilliard slides over to take the place of the departed Malik Harrison.
Middle Linebacker
1. Tuf Borland**
2. dallas gant
This is the same as our last projection. Borland returns, and our call is still for Baron Browning to change over to the weak-side vacancy leaving room for Dallas Gant to plugin here.
Weak Side Linebacker
1. Baron Browning
2. k’vaughan pope
Browning’s experience and athleticism seems to be a perfect option here with the departure of Harrison. Pope should be the next guy up to provide depth.
Next … a rebuilt secondary
Cornerback
1. Shaun Wade**
2. marcus williamson
1. Cam Brown
2. lejond Cavazos*
Cornerback
1. sevyn banks
2. tyreke johnson
Safety
1. josh proctor
2. marcus hooker
Getting Shaun Wade back for another year is huge here to build around. He’ll be the No. 1 lockdown corner this year. However, the dismissal of Amir Riep opens the door for the potential of freshman Lejond Cavazos to enter the fray. The rest of the group is young and needs development, but there’s a little experience and plenty of skill to develop.
Next … the specialties
Punter
1. Drue chrisman**
2. jake metzer
Field Goals
1. blake Haubeil**
2. Dominic DiMaccio
Kickoffs
1. Blake Haubeil**
2. Dominic DiMaccio
Not much change here because literally, everyone is back. Drue Chrisman probably won’t add another marriage proposal to his resume, but he’ll bottle flip and launch bombs down the field off his golden boot. Haubeil is an All Big-Ten type that should get another look at the Lou Groza award.
*Freshman
** Returning Starter
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