Ohio State Football: With Tuf Borland sidelined, questions at middle LB
There are questions concerning the Ohio State football team heading into next season. Who will step up at the middle linebacker position now that Tuf Borland is injured is an important one.
Heading into spring practice, one group on the Ohio State football team that was anything but settled was the linebacker unit. Now middle linebacker Tuf Borland, the only player with significant experience at the position, has been sidelined due to an Achilles tendon injury.
Due to injuries at linebacker in 2017, Borland stepped in at middle linebacker the second half of the season. He played well recording 58 total tackles with 3.5 of them for a loss.
As reported by Doug Lesmerises of Cleveland.com, Urban Meyer didn’t seem to think the injury would force Borland to miss the 2018 season.
"Asked if the injury could threaten Borland’s 2018 season this fall, Meyer said, “they tell us no.”"
That’s encouraging but you always have to worry about an Achilles injury. Hopefully Borland will be healthy by the start of next season, but if he isn’t who will start at middle linebacker? Let’s take a look at the players competing for the spot.
Justin Hilliard and Baron Browning were already pushing Borland before he was injured. Each were five-star recruits in their respective recruiting classes, Hilliard in 2015 and Browning in 2017. They are extremely talented but there are questions concerning each of the two players.
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Hilliard was the No. 1 ranked outside linebacker in his class but has had a difficult time with injuries in his three years at Ohio State. Last season he played in 11 games, mostly on special teams, and registered 14 tackles. The big question with Hilliard isn’t with his talent but can he stay healthy?
Playing five games last season Browning matched Hilliard’s tackle total as a true freshman. He is a budding star at 6-3, 238 pounds and very athletic. So here is the question with Browning, is he more suited to play the middle or on the edge?
Hilliard and Browning had better perform well during spring practices because another inside linebacker will be enrolling at Ohio State soon. And Teradja Mitchell was the No. 2 ranked inside linebacker in the 2018 recruiting class.
It’s difficult for a true freshman to take the constant pounding at middle linebacker but you can bet Mitchell will give it his best shot to make the two deep. Remember Raekwon McMillan made an impact his freshman season in 2014.
Next: 3 questions for the defense this spring
There are questions concerning the makeup of all three Ohio State linebacker positions heading into next season. However, who will play in the middle may be the most important one. The best case scenario at the middle linebacker position will be if Borland is healthy in time for next season and one or two other players are ready for prime time a well.