Five Ohio State defenders poised for a breakout 2023 season

Who makes the leap for the Buckeye defense this year? #GoBucks

After looking at which [autotag]Ohio State football[/autotag] offensive players are primed for a breakout, it is time to give the other side of the ball the same treatment.

There are questions on this side of the ball for the Buckeyes, but they still return major contributors like defensive end J.T. Tuimoloua, and linebackers Tommy Eichenberg and [autotag]Steele Chambers[/autotag].

Defensive coordinator [autotag]Jim Knowles[/autotag] is entering his second year at the position and there should be a jump in production from players for multiple reasons, such as experience in the system. Find out which five players I believe are going to explode on the scene in 2023.

WATCH: Ohio State Buckeyes commit C.J. ‘King’ Hicks breaks down epic 100-yard pick-six

Now this should make get the Buckeyes’ fan base excited.

Ohio State Buckeye commit C.J. “King” Hicks—a five-star recruit from the Class of 2022—sat down with USA TODAY High Sports Awards‘ Randy Buffington during an episode of “Rapid Fire.”

And while the talented athlete had plenty to offer during the chat—from his first time putting on the pads (and making a kid cry) to his admiration for the way Deion Sanders played the game—it was this breakdown of a 100-yard pick-six that caught our attention.

Check it out!

To. The. House!

There’s little wonder why the Buckeyes and so many other schools like Alabama, Oregon and Clemson went after the Archbishop Alter (Dayton, Ohio) star. 

And now… just imagine seeing the in-state talent wowing the crowds (and tormenting opposing offenses) at “The Horseshoe” for the next few years.

C.J. Hicks, a recruit from Archbishop Alter in Dayton, Ohio, wears a gold lion pendant before the game between the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Maryland Terrapins. (USA TODAY Network)

Want to nominate an athlete for the 2022 High School Sports Awards? Make sure to follow along on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook

[lawrence-related id=101490257]

High School Sports Awards ‘Rapid Fire’ with Ohio State commit C.J. Hicks

Meet the No. 1 linebacker in Ohio’s class of 2022

USA TODAY High School Sports Awards‘ Randy Buffington catches up with C.J. Hicks, a standout linebacker out of Archbishop Alter (Ohio) and one of the top prospects in the Recruiting Rankings.

Get to know more about the future Ohio State Buckeye in this edition of “Rapid Fire.”

Want to nominate an athlete for the 2022 High School Sports Awards? Make sure to follow along on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.