If there’s one area of the defense that struggled last year more than any other, it was the back-end, most notably the defensive backs. Ohio State ranked a paltry No. 97 in the country in passing yards allowed (246.2 yards per game). That won’t cut it at a place like OSU, and yeah, there were injury issues there, but still, it isn’t nearly up to snuff on the banks of the Olentangy.
But help is on the way.
Former Oklahoma State defensive coordinator Jim Knowles has been hired by head coach Ryan Day to oversee the defense, and he’ll bring an attacking style that should lend well to the athletes playing in the scheme next season.
And now, OSU also got some good news via the transfer portal on Wednesday when Oklahoma State safety Tanner McCalister announced his decision to follow Knowles to Ohio State as a transfer.
Already Written! Excited to begin this new journey with @OhioStateFB let’s go ! #Committed pic.twitter.com/D3Xr3DSskM
— Tanner 2⃣ McCalister (@McCalister_Dos2) January 5, 2022
McCalister started all thirteen games for the Cowboys in 2021 and tallied 42 tackles and an interception for one of the best defenses in college football last season. As a senior in 2021, the 5-foot, 11-inch, 195-pounder from Texas will take advantage of the extra COVID-19 year and have one year of eligibility remaining. He should fit right into the plans for what OSU will roll out with its defensive backs in 2022.
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