Five Things to watch as Ohio State football kicks off spring practice

Spring practice is officially underway at Ohio State and there are plenty of storylines. Here are five of the most important to watch.

Who will step up in the secondary

It can’t be understated how much getting Shaun Wade back for another season means to Ohio State’s defense. With him, there’s a special player to build the back-end of the defense around.

Still, with the departure of Jeff Okudah, Damon Arnette, and Jordan Fuller, there’s a lot of experience and talent to replace in the secondary. And if OSU wants to continue fielding a great defense, having guys that can cover up downfield is a must.

Guys like Marcus Williamson, Sevyn Banks, and Josh Proctor have some time in the spotlight, but not at the level of what was there last year. What three players will rise up and take the baton for the departed?

The roles won’t be completely filled this spring, but playmakers will start to emerge that could precede what happens in the fall.

Next … Which freshman wide receivers will catch the eye of the coaching staff?