Ohio State Football: Buckeyes’ linebacker unit will be a strength in 2019

The Ohio State linebacker corps certainly underperformed last year but the unit should be a strength for the Buckeyes during the 2019 season.

Last season the Ohio State linebacker unit simply didn’t play to the level of those in the past. With experienced players returning and a revamped defensive coaching staff expect to see plenty of improvement in the linebacker corps in 2019.

One of the main reasons, they will be led by a guy who is used to working with college players.

I will go into why that’s important, and the coaching situation as a whole, but first let’s look at the talented linebackers on the roster Al Washington will have at his disposal..

Middle linebacker Tuf Borland: The junior is the most experienced player in the unit and had 67 tackles with 9 for a loss and three sacks last season.

Outside linebacker Malik Harrison: After totaling 81 tackles, 8.5 for a loss with 2.5 sacks last season it was thought that Harrison may turn pro. He opted to return to Ohio State and you can be sure coach Washington is glad the 6-3 245 pounder chose to do so.

Outside linebacker Pete Werner: This junior may be the biggest beneficiary of the coaching changes. He is fast and has a nose for the football but sometimes is out of position and / or plays out of control. Even though he is a work in progress, Werner still had 58 tackles last season with 7.5 for a loss and 3 sacks.

Now for the talented backups.

Middle linebacker Teradja Mitchell will probably backup Borland next season. The 6-2, 236 pound sophomore was the No. 2 Inside linebacker in the 2018 recruiting class.

Baron Browning will more than likely settle into an outside linebacker spot except for when the Buckeyes go to the nickel package. That appears to be the best position for the athletic 6-3, 240 pounder who was the top ranked outside linebacker in the 2017 recruiting class. I see a breakout year for this guy.

Dallas Gant is listed at 6-3, 225 pounds and was a top 10 outside linebacker in the 2018 recruiting class. Keep an eye out for this young linebacker.

Two other linebackers bring versatility to the unit. 5th year senior Justin Hilliard has played on the inside and on the edge during his Ohio State career. K’Vaughan Pope was a top 10 inside linebacker but at 6-1 226 may be a better fit on the outside.

Now why this group will benefit from the coaching changes.

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While former linebackers coach Bill Davis has had success coaching NFL linebackers, I’m not so sure he understood how to bring players along who were just learning their craft. Pro linebackers have the fundamentals down pretty well and have plenty of time to learn different schemes in the offseason.

College linebackers need to have things simplified a little so they can read their keys, go with their instincts and fly to the ball. Not thinking too much allows them to play fast which wasn’t the case at times last season. Far too often linebackers were a step slow getting to the correct spot which resulted in big gains.

Coach Washington and new defensive coordinator Greg Mattison are experienced college coaches who understand how to bring young players along without giving them too much info to digest. I have a feeling Buckeye fans will see the linebackers flying to the ball next season as a result.

Next. It will pay Dwayne Haskins to have a strong Combine. dark

I’ll just put this simply. With the talent in the linebacker corps, combined with the coaching staff to lead them, I will be surprised if the unit isn’t one of the best in the country in 2019.

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