Scarlet and Game
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Ohio State Football: Buckeye defensive line set to dominate

By Thomas Scurlock

COLUMBUS, OH - SEPTEMBER 08: Acting head coach Ryan Day of the Ohio State Buckeyes looks on before the game against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at Ohio Stadium on September 8, 2018 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
COLUMBUS, OH - SEPTEMBER 08: Acting head coach Ryan Day of the Ohio State Buckeyes looks on before the game against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at Ohio Stadium on September 8, 2018 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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ARLINGTON, TX – SEPTEMBER 15: The Ohio State Buckeyes defense makes a tackle against Sewo Olonilua #33 of the TCU Horned Frogs in the third quarter during The AdvoCare Showdown at AT&T Stadium on September 15, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TX – SEPTEMBER 15: The Ohio State Buckeyes defense makes a tackle against Sewo Olonilua #33 of the TCU Horned Frogs in the third quarter during The AdvoCare Showdown at AT&T Stadium on September 15, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /

Two-deep

Davon Hamilton:

Even though Hamilton is entering his final season, he has not made his mark yet.  He has had to wait his time playing behind the likes of Tracy Sprinkle and Dre’Mont Jones.

That should change this year as he has the most experience among the long list of players vying for the second defensive tackle spot.

Tyreke Smith

Smith enters his sophomore season ready to share a heavier load at defensive end.  He had a strong spring and his quickness on the edge will make it hard for Larry Johnson to keep him on the sidelines.

The only unknown is he did have surgery on June 13 for an undisclosed issue.

Taron Vincent:

Vincent is another piece of the heralded 2018 recruiting class.  If the Rose Bowl provided any insight, Vincent’s playing time will rise dramatically this year.  He saw 19 snaps against Washington.

Tommy Togiai:

Tackle is the only spot for a guy named Togiai.  Like Smith and Vincent, Togiai saw meaningful action as a freshman playing in 12 games.  He looks ready to push Hamilton for time in the starting rotation.

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Tyler Friday:

Like his sophomore peers, Friday was able to collect valuable experience as a true freshman playing in nine games.

Other Notables

Jashon Cornell:

Cornell is entering his final season.  He’ll compete with Togiai and Vincent for playing time at tackle.

Zach Harrison:

Harrison is the headliner of the 2019 class.  Johnson likes to get his younger stars on the field early, providing they are ready for action.  I suspect Harrison will get his opportunities early and see less action in Big Ten play.

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Larry Johnson once again has a loaded unit that should be fun to watch next season.

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