Okay, here we go. The season is over, and already the competition begins for next year’s depth chart. We will of course go through this exercise multiple times in the off-season, but it’s fun to look at where things might stand as we move on under Ryan Day.
Here’s a very, very early look at Ohio State’s roster, and who might be penciled in with the two-deep as the new year turns. Disclaimer — it’ll change multiple times as we go through the process of getting a new team ready for competition in the spring and ultimately the fall.
Quarterback
1. Justin Fields**
2. Gunnar hoak
Of course Fields has things locked down, the real question will be who his backup is. Gunnar Hoak has one more year and knows the offense, but watch out for four-star commits C.J. Stroud and Jack Miller who will both be deep in the competition.
Running Back
1. Master Teague
2. marcus crowley
Dobbins is off to the NFL with one of the best single-seasons in Ohio State history. The big and strong Teague got the majority of the reps as the clear No. 2 this year and looks primed to be the guy in 2020. Crowley struggled with injuries last season but has the talent to be a part of things. Steele Chambers will also factor in.
Next … the pass catchers
Slot/H-Back
1. Jaealen Gill
2. Demario Mccall
This will be a wide open competition, but with the heads that Gill turned last year in camp, look for him to be a good option here. The coaches could decide also that McCall is a better fit at the H-back position rather than running back. Also look for incoming freshman Mookie Cooper to factor in.
Wide Receiver
1. chris olave**
2. Jaxon smith-njigba*
1. Garrett Wilson
2. julian fleming*
You have to imagine Olave and Wilson are pretty solid locks here. The nation’s No. 1 wide-receiver commit also figures to be a big part of things. Beyond that, there’s so much talent coming in at the wide-receiver position, it’s hard to look forward on who wins out on the playing time. Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Mookie Cooper and Gee Scott, Jr. could all get reps and find their way into the lineup.
Tight End
1. Luke Farrell**
2. jeremy ruckert
Farrell has separated himself and has one more year, but Ruckert really began to shine at the end of the season. This is probably your pecking order, but don’t be surprised if it’s pretty even when it all comes down to getting on the field.
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.
Left Guard
1. Enokk Vimahi
2. Max Wray
Look for a little Hawaiian flair on the line next year. Vimahi will get first crack at taking over for Jonah Jackson, 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 could also get a shot here.
Right Guard
1. wyatt Davis**
2. matthew jones
This is how things ended last year, and Davis’ decision to come back for another year likely keeps things status quo. That’s not a bad thing either as OSU’s offensive line figures to be a very good one once again.
Left Tackle
1. thayer munford**
2. Paris Johnson, Jr*
Munford has decided to return and that’s huge for Ohio State. He likely has the left-tackle spot nailed down, but one of the class’ top recruits will factor in somewhere along the line. This is his natural spot, and he’s likely the heir apparent.
Right Tackle
1. Nicholas Petit-Frere
2. dawand jones
Petit-Frere should be ready to be the guy next year. The massive, yet athletic Dawand Jones flashed potential as well and should factor in.
Next … another talented defensive line
Defensive End
1. jonathon cooper**
2. tyreke smith
1. zach harrison
2. tyler friday
Lost in all the news of early departures is that Jonathon Cooper was redshirted and has another year of eligibility. That’s huge. Look for him to man one defensive end spot, and Zach Harrison to snatch the other one as the next great one in Columbus. There’s depth with Tyler Friday, Tyreke Smith, Javontae John-Baptiste and others. The ends will be fantastic once again.
Defensive Tackle
1. tommy togiai
2. taron Vincent
1. haskell garrett
2. Jerron Cage
This is where Ohio State loses a lot of experience, but there’s still guys that have contributed and are very talented. Garrett and Togiai should be penciled in here, and a healthy Taron Vincent could be a game-changer. From there, Cage has experience, but other guys will need to step up — and likely will.
Next … the linebacker group
Strong Side Linebacker
1. pete werner**
2. justin hilliard
Werner returns as does Hilliard so this likely is what it is. However, someone will likely need to slide over to the weak-side with the departure of Malik Harrison. It could be Hilliard, but for now, this is the natural fit.
Middle Linebacker
1. Tuf Borland**
2. dallas gant
Borland returns, and our call is for Baron Browning to slide over to take the weak-side vacancy leaving room for Dallas Gant to plug in 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 was on the two-deep all year and should be a part of things as well.
Next … a rebuilt secondary
Cornerback
1. Shaun Wade**
2. marcus williamson
1. amir riep
2. cam brown
Cornerback
1. sevyn banks
2. tyreke johnson
Safety
1. josh proctor
2. marcus hooker
There are more questions at defensive back than any other group on the field. Ohio State has now decided to go with three corners and one-high safety so that’s the new look we are going with. Getting Shaun Wade back might be the biggest recruiting job for 2020, and there is enough experience to round out four pretty clear starters now between Proctor at safety and Brown and Banks manning the other corner positions. Beyond that is a wide-open competition.
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
Everyone returns in the kicking game, so no change. It should be noted that Chrisman returning for his senior season means a big weapon is still there to flip the field.
*Freshman
** Returning Starter
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