Ohio State Football: DE unit could be the best yet
Larry Johnson landed two outstanding defensive ends in the 2018 recruiting class who will compete for playing and two others you want to keep your eye on. And big things are expected from two in this year’s class.
Tyreke Smith was the 4th ranked wideside defensive end in 2018. Urban Meyer had to battle major programs to convince him to play his college ball in his home state.
Tyler Friday was rated the 6th best tackle. He was listed at 6-3, 263 pounds and athletic so it appeared he was more suited to play on the edge and that’s where coach Jonson played him last season.
As the Buckeye defensive line coach often does, he gave these two talented players enough reps as true freshmen but not more than they could handle. I look for Smith and Friday to make an impact next season.
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Two other players who will be coming onto the scene are Javonte Jean-Baptiste and Alex Williams and both were redshirted last season. I’m anxious to see what they bring to the table.
Jean-Baptist was the No. 16 linebacker in the 2018 class coach Johnson thought could put weight on his 6 ft. 5 frame like Sam Hubbard did. Just think if he makes the transition to put his hand in the ground like Hubbard did.
Williams was listed at 6 ft. 7, 250 pounds at the time of his recruitment. He is athletic for a guy that size and I can’t wait to see how he develops.
And of course Ryan Day landed the No. 2 DE in the country in Zach Harrison and four-star end Noah Potter. Both were early enrollees and have been impressive since they stepped on campus.
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While the 2014 defensive end unit turned out to be an excellent one, not everybody expected that to be the case. There are high expectations for this year’s group, and they may up being the best in the country.