Big Ten football preseason players of the year: In a vote of 34 writers organized by @clevelanddotcom. Wisconsin’s Jonathan Taylor is the offensive player of the year and Ohio State’s Chase Young is the defensive player of the year. https://t.co/z4cPOaQSzN
— Doug Lesmerises (@DougLesmerises) July 17, 2019
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A place like Ohio State always has guys being sharpened and honed for the next level. Though the program lost some keys guys like defensive end Nick Bosa, and senior wide-outs Parris Campbell and Terry McLaurin, there are others ready to step up with the next man mentality.
So who are the Buckeyes’ best players heading into this fall? Who will the team rely on the most when the game is on the line? There are plenty of candidates — one of many that could step up at any time — but we’re going to single out the top five that will most likely make or break Ohio State’s season this year.
So, let’s get to it.
No. 5 – Jordan Fuller, safety
How will Jordan Fuller perform his senior season? (via @ianthekicker41) https://t.co/1aIeMSTFFF
— Scarlet & Game (@ScarletAndGame) July 8, 2019
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Fuller has been a starter for a couple of years now and was a team captain last season as a junior. He led the team in tackles last year and finished just one tackle behind the lead in 2017. He could have declared for the NFL Draft last year but decided to give it one more go in Columbus.
Fuller is the type of safety that diagnoses plays well and isn’t afraid to come up on run support. He earned Second-Team All-Big Ten honors from the media in 2018 and should have a chance of landing on the First Team this year.
No. 4 – Malik Harrison, linebacker
My top 6 senior linebackers for the 2020 NFL draft:
1. Anfernee Jennings, @AlabamaFTBL
2. Malik Harrison, @OhioStateFB
3. Julian Okwara, @NDFootball
4. Darrell Taylor, @Vol_Football
5. Michael, Pinckney, @CanesFootball
6. Troy Dye, @oregonfootball pic.twitter.com/yAHrJfUT28— Gil Brandt (@Gil_Brandt) May 21, 2019
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The linebacking unit was criticized at length last year, and some of it was warranted. But Harrison began to flash and make plays as the season wore on. At 6-3, 245 lbs., there’s no question about the athletic ability and explosiveness he possesses.
Now it’s time to take that next step and show consistency and an understanding of what the defense is trying to do. He has a potential to be one of the breakout stars in the country, especially with the new philosophy being brought to the team by new assistants Al Washington and Greg Mattison.
No. 3 – J.K. Dobbins, running back
Ohio State running back J.K. Dobbins on #DoakWalker preseason watch list –https://t.co/LiHZNWXsK0 via @buckeyewire #GoBucks
— Phil Harrison (@PhilHarrisonBW) July 17, 2019
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Dobbins has to be looking forward to this fall. He’s spent time in one way or another with Mike Weber his first two seasons, but now the gig is all his as the clear No. 1. He’s already topped 1,000 yards in each of his first two seasons and set an Ohio State freshman rushing record in 2017 with 1,403 yards.
He’s only 5-10, 214 lbs., but has a great combination of power and speed. With great vision and an ability to cut on a dime and make defenders miss once in the second level, he might lay the foundation to make himself a lot of money in the NFL with plenty of highlight-reel plays in 2019.
No. 2 – Justin Fields, quarterback
2019 Heisman Trophy Odds –
(via Las Vegas Superbook)Tua Tagovailoa 5/2
Trevor Lawrence 7/2
Justin Fields 8/1
Jalen Hurts 8/1
Adrian Martinez 8/1
Jonathan Taylor 16/1
Sam Ehlinger 20/1
Jake Fromm 20/1
Justin Herbert 25/1
Travis Etienne 40/1
Jerry Jeudy 40/1
Shea Patterson 40/1— CFB Overtime (@CFB_Overtime) May 10, 2019
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Perhaps no player has the expectations of the season saddled on them more than the new guy under center. There’s no debate about the skill set and explosiveness Fields has, it’s just a matter of whether he can put it all together in such a short time.
He’s got a strong arm, but can also go get yards on the ground when needed. He may not be as accurate as Dwayne Haskins, but he’s probably better than J.T. Barrett with both his arm and legs. He’s got the potential to be a great one if it all comes together and the light goes on.
No. 1 – Chase Young, defensive end
Ohio State defensive end Chase Young appears on Bednarik preseason watch list https://t.co/JKaaHcwQ96
— BuckeyesWire (@BuckeyesWire) July 16, 2019
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Young is already appearing on a slew of NFL Draft boards — and most all of them have him going somewhere in the top five to ten players taken. He has the size and power at 6-5, 265 lbs., but he also has an ability to get off the line quick, in gaps, and rush off the edge to get to the passer.
We saw flashes of what Young can do with 10.5 sacks last season, but look for an even more disruptive player in 2019. He might get double-teamed, but the coaching staff will move him around to get better matchups and allow him to be a wrecking ball.
