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Ohio State Football: Good News at Linebacker

By Charlie Lockhart

Oct 8, 2016; Columbus, OH, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Raekwon McMillan (5) celebrates following the game against the Indiana Hoosiers at Ohio Stadium. The Buckeyes won 38-17. Mandatory Credit: Joe Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 8, 2016; Columbus, OH, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Raekwon McMillan (5) celebrates following the game against the Indiana Hoosiers at Ohio Stadium. The Buckeyes won 38-17. Mandatory Credit: Joe Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports /
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Another healthy middle linebacker is good news for Ohio State.

There was good news at linebacker for Ohio State today as Justin Hilliard appeared to be healthy and playing well. 247 Sports reported he was the second team middle linebacker during the Buckeyes’ third spring practice.

The position is a concern for Urban Meyer as Raekwon McMillan is no longer around to man the middle. Chris Worley has moved inside, but at 230 pounds can he handle the position on a full time basis?

The Buckeyes are loaded with talented linebackers in the 230 pound range but none of them have played on the inside in college. There could be a need for someone to spell Worley at times next season and Hilliard would seem to be the most likely player to fill that role if healthy.

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Hilliard was a five star recruit in the 2015 and ranked as the No. 2 outside linebacker in the 247Sports Composite. However, he was projected as a player who could move into the middle at some point. Other players who may be able to fill in at middle linebacker include Nick Conner, Tuff Borland and Baron Browning. Conner was in the Hilliard’s class but had a serious injury that has held him back.

It’s still a question whether Borland will play in the middle or at an outside linebacker spot. Browning was the top linebacker in the 2017 class and some think he could play either position, but is he ready to man the middle as a true freshman?.

Must Read: Plenty of Competition in the Offensive Backfield

In any event, it’s good to see Justin Hilliard back in the fold. He has waited two years to see significant playing time as injuries have kept him off the field. If he can stay healthy, it appears Hilliard will get his shot next season.

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