Ohio State Football: Early enrollees could impact Buckeyes’ D
It’s always beneficial for players to enroll early to get acclimated to the Ohio State football program, but these guys could make an impact as freshmen.
Three defensive players in the 2019 Ohio State recruiting class have enrolled early and will be ready for spring ball. All three have a good chance to play next season and at least two could make an impact.
Let’s first take a look at coach Larry Johnson’s new defensive ends. They have the potential of being a couple of very good ones.
You have to begin with the 2nd ranked defensive end and No. 12 player in the country Zach Harrison. Everybody expects great things from the 6-5, 253 pound local product from Lewis Center.
A look at his highlights will explain why.
Even though Harrison grew up close to Ohio Stadium, he was a difficult get for coach Day and there were questions whether he would play for the Buckeyes until the Early Signing Period. At least for those of us out of the loop.
You can expect this kid will see the field in 2019.
Now a look at the other defensive end Noah Potter. He is four star recruit and is another home-grown player from Mentor, Ohio.
Potter is 6-5.5, 250 pounds and is ranked as the 23rd SDE and the No. 334 player in the country.
I can see both Harrison and Potter getting their chances this year because defensive line coach Larry Johnson will need young players to step in and gain experience with the players who will be leaving. Jonathon Cooper and Jashon Cornell will be seniors and it would be a big surprise if Chase Young didn’t leave for the NFL after next season.
The two defensive ends going through winter workouts and spring practices will certainly help the Buckeyes as far as the depth situation, and one or both could make an immediate impact.
Ronnie Hickman was ranked the No. 115 player in the country and the 10th best safety. He is in the right place at the right time.
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Jordan Fuller and Brendon White have the starting safety spots sewed up but backup positions are wide open. There is plenty of talent at the back-end of the defense, but besides Fuller and White nobody stood out last year.
And with a new defensive coaching staff everybody will have a clean slate. At least Hickman will have a shot at making the two deep if he has a strong spring.
The Ohio State football team will soon begin spring practices and these young players will find out what it’s like to go up against former highly ranked recruits who are more experienced. It will be fun watching how they progress.
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By enrolling early, Harrison, Potter and Hickman will know the things they need to improve on before fall camp arrives in order to earn playing time. I like the chances these talented players will compete for playing time, and one or more will make an impact next season.