What’s going on with the linebackers?
Combined snaps played by Baron Browning, Pete Werner, Tuf Borland and Justin Hilliard: 1,423
Combined snaps by all of the returning linebackers: 251
Perhaps no part of Ohio State's defense will look and feel more different than the LBs. New wave of guys incoming. https://t.co/EqRbvnn0Pm
— Colin Hass-Hill (@chasshill) January 18, 2021
Ohio State lost its top four linebackers to graduation last year. There was a ton of experience between Tuf Borland, Justin Hilliard, Baron Browning, and Pete Werner. You don’t just plug and play with that much knowledge and hard work walking out the door (see defensive line note in the previous point).
But what the linebacking unit lacks in experience, it could almost make up for in athletic ability. Freshman Reid Carrico is making a name for himself, but others like Tommy Eichenberg, Teradja Mitchell, Dallas Gant, and Craig Young need to become household names.
So who looks the part, and which guys get first-team opportunities in the second half on Saturday remains to be seen.
We’ll have more on that and all of these questions after all the festivities on Saturday.
Ohio State football 2021 projected depth chart, pre-spring offense
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