There are talented third year offensive players on the Ohio State football team for sure, but the ones on defense may be even more impactful this season.
Previously I looked at the impact members of the 2016 recruiting class would have on the Buckeye offense this year. Now I’ll look at the third year players on defense. Expect them to make a huge impact on the Ohio State football team this season.
I will have to mention this guy first.
Defensive end Nick Bosa: The ‘Little Bear’ sure has proven he was deserving of the No. 1 DE ranking in the 2016 recruiting class hasn’t he? Recently he was named as one of the three defensive captains.
The awards and honors just keep coming in for Bosa. He led the teams in sacks last year and was named the Big Ten Lineman of the Year. What kind of season will he have as a full-time starter?
Defensive end Jonathon Cooper: The No. 3 ranked DE in the 2016 recruiting class has been buried in the depth chart because of the loaded unit but now will see the field often. I expect a breakout season for Cooper.
Defensive tackle Malik Barrow: Often a DT needs a couple of years in the weight room before he makes an impact. I’m looking forward to see how Barrow will now fit into the rotation.
Middle linebacker Tuf Borland: Borland filled in so well last season Chris Worley was moved back to the outside when he recovered from his injury. Expect big things from the new captain when he comes back from his injury which should be soon according to reports I have read.
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Outside linebacker Malik Harrison: Like Borland, Harrison performed well last season filling in when the injury bug hit the LB unit. He has been named the starter but is being pushed hard by this guy.
Outside linebacker Keandre Jones: The highly ranked LB recruit in the 2016 class is coming on strong and will make an impact.
Safety Jordan Fuller: He hit the ground running as a freshman and continues to improve. I expect the new captain to be All-Big Ten and possibly be named to an All-America team at the end of the season.
Safety Jahsen Wint: He is battling for a starting spot and it has been reported he will at least be in the safety rotation.
You have to mention the punter when discussing the defense because he is so important in the field position game.
Punter Drue Chrisman: If he averages 44.2 yards per punt and pins opposing offenses close to their goal line like he did last year, that will certainly help the Silver Bullets.
As you see, 2016 recruits are set to make a huge impact on the defensive side of the ball.
Along with the talented third year players on offense, the 2016 Ohio State recruiting class has proven to be worthy of their No. 3 ranking. In fact, a case could be made they should have been ranked at the top.