Tag: Lathan Ransom

Top three safeties in the Big Ten for 2023

Do you agree? Who else would you add? #GoBucks

We discussed that the Big Ten was stocked at cornerback with potentially five future first-rounders playing the role of lockdown stud, but the cupboard is a bit less stocked at the safety position. We have a choice in the top three from a non-premier program, but the situation is pretty cluttered after him.

I wanted to place a Wolverine on this list, but Michigan’s best safety may have just left via the transfer portal in R.J. Moten. Still, an Ohio State Buckeye does make it within the ranks based in large part due to the expectation of a leap in production, and of course, this list wouldn’t be complete without an Iowa Hawkeye making an appearance. Let’s dive into the best safeties in the Big Ten.

Ohio State safety Latham Ransom makes decision about future

The safety position should be in good hands with a mix of experience and youth. #GoBucks

Shortly after C.J. Stroud announced his decision to enter the NFL draft, safety Lathan Ransom gave Ohio State fans some good news. Ransom will return to Columbus for his senior year. Ransom’s father confirmed the news via text with the Columbus Dispatch.

Ransom had a breakout year after sustaining a gruesome broken leg covering a kickoff in the Rose Bowl win over Utah. The junior safety came back to start nine games in which he recorded 74 tackles, third most behind OSU linebackers Tommy Eichenberg and Steele Chambers.

Ransom began the season behind Josh Proctor on the depth chart, but quickly earned more playing time and was a starter by October. The Arizona native was also named a semifinalist for the Thorp award, which is given to the nation’s top defensive back.

With Ransom’s return, the addition of Ja’Had Carter from Syracuse via the transfer portal and Sonny Styles in the secondary, Ohio State could be lethal at the safety position.

Ransom was the last OSU player with draft eligibility to declare his intentions. Now the waiting game begins to see if any other Buckeyes join a relatively short list of transfer portal entries or if Ohio State goes to the portal to nab more talent.

[mm-video type=video id=01gpxvk9j9a7hdaxzvn9 playlist_id=01eqbz0qtnjg5x7tc8 player_id=01f5k5y2jb3twsvdg4 image=https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/video/thumbnail/mmplus/01gpxvk9j9a7hdaxzvn9/01gpxvk9j9a7hdaxzvn9-f74d786f0c442f0b908c0041d38b5b50.jpg]

[listicle id=103617]

Contact/Follow us @BuckeyesWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Ohio State news, notes and opinion.

Draft Wire names top Ohio State NFL prospects this season

DraftWire names top Ohio State NFL prospects #GoBucks

Our friends over at Draft Wire have released a list of their favorite NFL prospects, including six Buckeyes that are draft eligible after this season and are expected to make big waves during the 2022 season. These studs deserve more than photos of them; therefore, we will provide a brief breakdown of why this group may appeal to NFL teams.

It should not be surprising that their first four ranked Ohio State prospects are on the offensive side of the football, but hopefully by season’s end more defensive players are given early rounds values. Enough talk, let’s break down these Buckeyes that have a good shot at hearing their name called in next year’s NFL draft.

Top three NFL draft-eligible safeties in the Big Ten for 2022

Top three NFL draft-eligible safeties in the Big Ten for 2022. #GoBucks #B1G

It is never too early to talk about the NFL Draft, and one of the most polarizing and fun positions to discuss is the safety position. As we said in the cornerback piece, the Ohio State football program makes a solid argument as DBU (or BIA as it may) with historic names like Malik Hooker, Vonn Bell, and Donte Whitner once roaming the Buckeye defensive backfield.

The safety class in the Big Ten is a little underwhelming with the departure of former Northwestern star, Brandon Joseph, entering the transfer portal and heading to Notre Dame. I also had high hopes for Marcus Hooker as he showed flashes, but failed to stick and opted to transfer to Youngstown State. Enough talking about who left and let’s focus don’t the top three in the Big Ten.

Five Ohio State Buckeyes who could break out on defense next season

Five Ohio State Buckeyes who could break out on defense next season #GoBucks

The Ohio State Buckeyes should be ready to rock and roll in 2022 and the defense should be much improved, mostly considering it doesn’t appear it can get any worse. I am exaggerating of course, but there were more than a few pathetic outings last season by this unit.

The 2021 season was more or less a disappointment, but the 2022 Ohio State football should be primed to make a legitimate national championship run. Now spring football hasn’t even begun, but I like everyone else like to make bold predictions and wild speculations and the following are five Ohio State players that I expect to make a bigger impact during the 2022 season.

Some of these selections are going to be insanely obvious, but I would be a fool to leave them off. With that said, some of these players may raise an eyebrow, which I welcome.

Safety Lathan Ransom becomes latest to lose black stripe

Ohio State freshman defensive back Lathan Ransom became the third Buckeye to lose his black stripe on Saturday. Watch the ceremony here.

Highly-rated safety Lathan Ransom was the third Ohio State freshman to shed his black stripe Saturday. He came to Ohio State from Arizona and was the No. 1 overall rated safety in the 2020 class according to the 247Sports Composite Rankings.

At 6-foot, 2-inches, and 200-pounds, Ransom is one of the youngest in the class – he just turned 18 this past July. With that in mind, Ransom still has room to grow and most assuredly will with the help of strength coach Mickey Marotti, looking to become next in the long line of B.I.A. (Best in America).

“I just want to thank the whole team, the whole defense, I wanna thank B.I.A. and Go Bucks!”, said Ransom.

Watch Ransom shout out to his team and his secondary teammates courtesy of the Ohio State Football Twitter account.

Ransom becomes the eighth freshmen and ninth overall newcomer to lose his black stripe including, Josh Fryar, Miyan Williams, Trey Sermon, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Kourt Williams, Gee Scott, Jr., and Julian Fleming.

There are sure to be more black stripe removals as we move through preseason camp, so stay with us and we’ll bring them all to you.

 

Contact/Follow us @BuckeyesWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Ohio State news, notes and opinion.

Download the USA TODAY SportsWire app to follow Buckeyes Wire and your other favorite teams in the Apple Store for iPhones and Google Play for Android devices.