Tag: Mitchell Melton

Ohio State statistical leaders through three games

These guys in particular could be a problem Saturday.

I admit that I probably should leave something like this to the folks overs at Buckeyes Wire. Then again, that’s the whole idea behind the College Wire sites. Every site has something unique to offer, and Fighting Irish Wire is no exception. We encourage you to check out all sites to get your college sports fix, particularly at this time of year when college football is reigning supreme throughout the land.

Now that the shameless plugging is out of the way, let’s talk about why you really clicked on this link. You want to see which Ohio State players are most likely to give Notre Dame problems in one of the most anticipated college football games of the year. These are the players who are most likely to stop a resurgent start to the season for the Irish in its tracks. You probably will see a few of them in the NFL soon.

If you aren’t familiar with these Buckeyes yet, get yourself familiar with them right now:

Current Ohio State outside linebackers and their 247Sports rankings

Current Ohio State Outside Linebackers and their 247Sports rankings #GoBucks

The Ohio State football team has eight linebackers on scholarship, but six of these prospects arrived on campus with bonafide outside linebacker designated rankings on 247Sports. Now the Ohio State scheme only has two linebackers and the rotation for both is likely going to be fluid, but to keep things simple I just wanted to recap the six that were rated as outside backers.

The star of the outside group is Steele Chambers who was debating whether or not to declare for the NFL, but has elected to return in an attempt to raise his draft stock. The funny part is that Chambers was actually recruited as a running back before making the positional switch two seasons ago, but it’s time to dive into what this unit was ranked.

Ohio State issues availability report for Notre Dame game

Ohio State issues availability report for Notre Dame game

The fine folks with the Ohio State football team have issued the availability report for the game against Notre Dame, and there are a few notable names that will not be taking part in game No. 1.

The most notable name on the following list is Julian Fleming. The former five-star recruit from the state of Pennsylvania has suffered more than his fair share of injuries throughout his career and most were extremely excited to see him at full strength for 2022.

Fleming is a tough cat who despite injury is still listed as a game-time decision. Early in the summer, it was reported that Fleming had his shoulder pop out during a scrimmage and still caught a touchdown only a moment later, so I would be willing to bet he plays today.

Game-Time Decision:

  • WR Julian Fleming

Unavailable:

  • RB Evan Pryor
  • CB Lloyd McFarquhar
  • LB Mitchell Melton

[mm-video type=playlist id=01eqbz0qtnjg5x7tc8 player_id=none image=https://buckeyeswire.usatoday.com/wp-content/plugins/mm-video/images/playlist-icon.png]

Ohio State defensive end Mitchell Melton lost for the year once again

Disappointing news for Mitchell Melton for the second-straight year. #GoBucks

For the second-straight year, Ohio State defensive end Mitchell Melton has been lost for the year to an injury. Head coach Ryan Day confirmed that Melton tore his ACL in the spring game when he met with the media on Friday.

“He’ll be on the road to recovery,” Day told reporters. “I saw him earlier today with his family, and it’s hard when you embrace these injuries because you know it’s gonna be a long road back. And that’s why it’s so important to have Adam Stewart (the team’s physical therapist) still be a part of the program because he’s a big part of their lives and their recovery and their rehab — and he’s the best in the business. So, the good news is we have great resources and these guys are in good hands. The negative is, it’s a long road back to recovery.”

Melton started his career at linebacker, but new defensive coordinator Jim Knowles had moved him to the hybrid/Jack position where he seemed to be making a name for himself. Knowles expressed his disappointment for the third-year player.

“He’s a great kid, and I’m just sad for him,” Knowles said.

Despite the loss, Ohio State does have the personnel to absorb this bit of bad news. Other guys like Kourt Williams, Jack Sawyer, Javontae Jean-Baptiste, and freshman Caden Curry are all in the mix and capable of holding down the Jack position.

Melton is expected to make a full recovery and be ready for the 2023 season.

[mm-video type=video id=01g1w8hgkfqd20xq73y9 playlist_id=01eqbz0qtnjg5x7tc8 player_id=01eqbvp13nn1gy6hd4 image=https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/video/thumbnail/mmplus/01g1w8hgkfqd20xq73y9/01g1w8hgkfqd20xq73y9-e0b845926404aa2cbfb0cd270213a785.jpg]

[listicle id=90489]

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

Let us know your thoughts, comment on this story below. Join the conversation today.

Young linebacker out for remainder of spring for Ohio State

Ohio State lost one of its young linebackers to an undisclosed, long-term injury. Mitchell Melton will miss the remainder of spring.

Injuries are a part of football, and Ohio State is not immune. Every spring there appears to be one or two victims, and unfortunately, second-year linebacker Mitchell Melton is going to miss some time. OSU lost its top four linebackers on the depth to the NFL, and are now in rebuild mode in the second level of the defense.

The former four-star athlete and Maryland native was receiving high praise from linebackers coach Al Washington earlier in the spring, which led many to believe Melton could be in line to receive some serious playing time. Unfortunately, Melton suffered an undisclosed injury and appeared on crutches during spring practice on Monday.

The extent of the injury is unknown at this point, but it was labeled a “long-term” injury by head coach Ryan Day. Here’s to hoping the injury isn’t a setback to the young backer’s career.

 

Ohio State freshman linebacker Mitchell Melton loses black stripe

We have another Ohio State football freshman that has lost his black stripe. Congratulations to freshman linebacker Mitchell Melton.

Ohio State had two players shed their black stripes on Tuesday. Freshman receiver Mookie Cooper was honored with the tradition, but it didn’t end there. Another freshman, linebacker Mitchell Melton also had his black stripe removed.

At 6-foot, 3-inches, and 235-pounds, Melton came to Ohio State as a four-star recruit. He was rated as the No. 24 overall outside linebacker in the 2021 class according to the 247Sports Composite Rankings. He hails from Good Counsel High School in Olney, Maryland.

Melton was excited and gracious to be accepted as an “official” Buckeye and had some brief remarks for his teammates.

“Man, I just want to say it’s an honor and a blessing to be out here with y’all boys,” Melton said. “Shoutout to all the leaders in the linebacker room. Go Bucks.”

Watch the very brief ceremony thanks to the Ohio State Football Twitter account below.

[lawrence-related id=38401]

[lawrence-related id=38395]

 

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.