Ohio State Football: Secondary will be best unit in 2019
A look at strengths on the Ohio State football team in recent years and the unit that will be the strongest during the 2019 season.
Nine Units Strong. How often did we hear that under former Ohio State head coach Urban Meyer? Heck, he converted me. I am always looking for ways to plug a unit reference.
I still think Meyer missed the mark by two. The number should be 11, including coaching and fans.
I have been at games where I question if most of Buckeye Nation took Valium before kickoff. A recent example is the Rose Bowl. I was shocked at how quiet the fans were compared to Washington’s fans.
Quick memo to the fans. It is okay to make life difficult on opponents not named Penn State and Michigan.
The same is true for coaching performances. There have been a few head scratchers over the last three years.
Whether Ryan Day continues using the phrase or develops his own coaching slogan remains unknown, but the spirit of the message must endure.
Looking at the last three years, here were the best units.
In 2018, the receivers were the leading unit for the team. That was expected. Parris Campbell, Terry McLaurin and Johnnie Dixon were veterans. Coupled with a throw first quarterback and system and it was easy to understand why these three would drive the team’s success.
In 2017, the defensive line was team’s best unit. Sam Hubbard, Nick Bosa, Dre’Mont Jones and Tyquan Lewis with a strong supporting cast were dominant all season.
In 2016, the secondary led the way. The unit was ridiculously good over the course of the season.
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Malik Hooker, Marshon Lattimore, Gareon Conley and Damon Webb combined for 16 interceptions and five touchdowns.
By comparison, over the last two years the secondary had 21 interceptions and one touchdown.
Which unit will lead the way in 2019? I am torn between offensive line and secondary. I think both will outstanding.
My pick is the secondary. 2018 was a season of growth, experience and maturity for this unit. They are ready to explode in 2019.
Brendan White, Shaun Wade, Jeffrey Okuduh, Jordan Fuller and Damon Arnette are all starters. The backups, some of them may start, are Marcus Hooker, Josh Proctor, Isaiah Pryor, Amir Riep, Jaysen Wint, Sevyn Banks and Marcus Williamson.
Next. With Jones leaving, a look at transfers’ impact so far. dark
That’s a loaded secondary that might end up being the best Ohio State has ever had. At a minimum, it will be Day’s best unit in 2019.