Ohio State Football: What are defensive line recruits thinking?
Whenever a highly ranked defensive line prospect doesn’t choose to play for the Ohio State Buckeyes I wonder what they are thinking.
The best defensive line coach in the nation is a member of the Ohio State staff. Why in the world would a top defensive line prospect choose to play for anybody but Larry Johnson?
The top overall recruit in the 2020 class, defensive end Bryan Bresee, announced today he would play his college football for the Clemson Tigers. Apparently he isn’t aware coach Johnson is about to have another one of his players chosen at the top of the NFL Draft and another will be taken as well.
Long before “The Magician” came to Columbus many of his Penn State defensive linemen were drafted and some were first round picks. He has continued sending players to the NFL during his time at Ohio State as well.
Here is a look at Buckeye defensive linemen mentored by coach Johnson who became NFL draft picks.
- Defensive tackle Michael Bennett, 6th round
- Defensive end Joey Bosa, 1st round (No. 3 overall)
- Defensive tackle Adolphus Washington, 3rd round
- Defensive end Tyquan Lewis, 2nd round
- Defensive end Sam Hubbard, 3rd round
- Defensive end Jalyn Holmes, 4th round
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This week defensive end Nick Bosa will be one of the top picks in the draft, and most “experts” think defensive tackle Dre’Mont Jones will be chosen in the first two rounds.
So why wouldn’t a talented defensive lineman want to play for coach Johnson? Could it be because of negative recruiting by other coaches?
You should read this article in the OZone, and one I wrote last year when I mentioned what Larry Johnson posted on twitter to let everyone know he wasn’t ready to retire yet. Then see if you think it’s a coincidence Penn State was said to be one of Bresee’s top six teams and he decided to play for Clemson.
Next. Buckeyes who are about to make fast money. dark
Whatever the case, if I were a talented defensive lineman I wouldn’t care if coach Johnson would retire before I graduated. Even if I only played for him one season, I would probably learn more about playing my position than in four years being mentored by another coach. And I would have a very good chance of playing football on Sundays.