The defensive tackles may form the deepest and most talented group during the Urban era with young players primed to make an impact.
The interior of the defensive line should again be one of the strengths of the Ohio State football team. The Buckeyes have veteran starters and backups at defensive tackle and there are young, talented players primed to make an impact.
Dre’mont Jones decided to skip the NFL draft and return to Ohio State for one more year. He could be the best three technique in college football this season.
Junior Robert Landers continues to make strides. Undersized at 283 pounds, Landers uses his quickness to get penetration into the backfield.
Third year sophomore Malik Barrow and junior Davon Hamilton will provide more experience at the position.
Now for the talented young guys who will battle for playing time. Let’s first look at guys who have been in coach Mick’s strength and conditioning program for a year while going toe-to-toe with Ohio State offensive linemen.
Haskell Garrett 6-2, 293 pounds: A beast in high school, he was ranked as the No. 6 DT and a top 100 player in the country in the 2017 class.
Jerron Cage 6-2, 290 pounds: Ranked the No. 235 player in the country Cage has consistently improved in his short time at Ohio State. From the things I have heard, you can expect this sophomore to earn playing time this season.
I rarely put much stock in true freshmen making an impact at DT, but these two players may be exceptions.
Tommy Togiai 6-2, 300 pounds: The No. 3 DT in the 2018 recruiting class made an immediate impression on the coaching staff as an early enrollee. He was the first freshman to lose his black stripe which happened in the spring.
Taron Vincent 6-2, 288 pounds: A player receives the No. 1 ranking at his position and a five-star rating for a reason. He is extremely talented. Vincent has already lost his black stripe and is ready to make a push for a spot in the tackle rotation.
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This next guy is older than the last two I mentioned but was also a member of the 2018 recruiting class.
Antwaun Jackson 6-2, 200 pounds: A coveted recruit in 2016, Jackson chose to enroll at Auburn. After realizing the error of his ways he decided to leave but the university blocked hin from transferring to Ohio State.
He played for Blinn College last season and was the top JUCO DT. With his size and experience he may step right in and be an impact player.
As you can see, this very well could be the most talented and deep defensive tackle unit during the Urban era. It’s a good mix of veterans and young guys pushing them which is always a good thing. And who better to coach them up than Larry Johnson.