Ohio State Football: Defensive tackle group talented and deep
Even though Dre’Mont Jones is moving on to the NFL the defensive tackle unit will be a strong suit for the Ohio State football team next season.
If you watched the Ohio State Spring game you probably noticed the Scarlet and Gray defenses were getting pressure on the quarterbacks up the middle. Don’t be alarmed and think that means the Buckeyes’ offensive line is weak, just that they had to block an outstanding group of defensive tackles.
This year’s bunch may be Larry Johnson’s finest and probably the deepest he has had during his time at Ohio State. First let’s take a look at the seniors.
Robert Landers (6-1, 283) is a small quick nose tackle who has performed well the last two years. Jashon Cornell (6-3, 273) has been moved back to the three technique from end where he played last season to provide depth. I expect a big year out of this guy.
Devon Hamilton (6-4, 308) is a guy who can play ether position as needed. That can be said about most of these other players as well.
Here are the players from the 2017 recruiting class and their rankings.
- Haskell Garrett: 6-2, 293 #6 DT
- Jerron Cage: 6-3, 295 #14 DT
Now for those in the 2018 class.
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- Antwuan Jackson: 6-2, 300 #1 JUCO DT
- Taron Vincent: 6-2, 288 #1 DT
- Tommy Togiai: 6-2, 300 #3 DT
Last year Vincent and Togiai performed well as true freshmen, but in coach Johnson fashion they were brought along slowly. It nearly always takes young defensive tackles some time to get use to being pounded by big college offensive linemen.
When preseason camp arrives, all of these players will have been groomed by the best defensive line coach in college football for at least a year or two and spent quite a bit of time in Coach Mick’s strength and conditioning program. They should be firing on all cylinders by the fall.
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The last thing offensive lines want to see late in the game is a fresh set of tackles on every possession but that is what opponents are going to get next season. And they will be a talented and versatile bunch as well. What a nightmare for opposing offenses.