Linebackers
Ryan Shazier (2011-2013)
Darron Lee (2013-2015)
Raekwon Mcmillin (2014-2016)
Ohio State’s linebacking corps over the last decade has gotten a lot lighter and more versatile. The days of thick, tough guys that shed blocks and flow to the play are seemingly gone. Our picks here point directly to that. Shazier was a missile that ran all over the field and led the Big Ten with a ridiculous 144 tackles in 2013.
Darron Lee didn’t come to Columbus as a linebacker, but his playmaking ability in space was an integral part of the national title run of 2014. That year he amassed 16 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks, and had returned two fumbles for touchdowns. Not to be forgotten, McMillan was the unquestioned leader of Ohio State’s defense during his last two seasons when he led OSU in tackles.