Ohio State defensive depth
We know that Chase Young is in the NFL, and that Jonathon Cooper is the next man up, and while this defensive line, on paper, looks better in regards to depth, without Young we have no idea how they will truly look. Taron Vincent and his health will be huge for the depth and potential starting defensive tackles.
The linebackers will be headed by Baron Browning and Tuf Borland and Pete Werner. Justin Hilliard will also factor in, but there will need to be some others step up to become a cohesive unit. The unit starters should be fine, but depth potentially needed in the year of a pandemic is a must.
The biggest questions on defense are in the secondary. Cornerback Cameron Brown and all his speed could be a huge surprise, and if Shaun Wade does come back, the outside corners could be really good. However, this is where the questions start. With Wade moving outside (if he returns), the top three will be good. It’s everything behind them that has more questions than answers.
Shaun Wade ‘undecided’ on potential return to Ohio State https://t.co/4fbmRN1PPN
— Buckeyes Wire (@BuckeyesWire) September 16, 2020
Safety has Josh Proctor as the likely starter who should be really good. Marcus Hooker is another option there, but where does the staff go from there?
Will Tyreke Johnson finally live up to his five-star billing? Is Marcus Williamson ready to grab the spotlight? Can either of those two factor into the defensive backfield?
The defense might take a small step back, but the pieces are still there — especially if there is good news on Wade.