Ohio State football: Secondary ready to earn DBU status again
Last year the back-end of the Ohio State defense didn’t perform at the high level as corners and safeties in previous years but will this season.
Ohio State has been described frequently as Defensive Back University (DBU), earning that distinction over the last 10 years by producing a high number of quality NFL players.
The list of defensive backs who are household names now is impressive. Malcolm Jenkins, Kurt Coleman, Bradley Roby, Marshon Lattimore, Vonn Bell, Eli Apple, Denzel Ward, Malik Hooker and Gareon Conley.
Kendall Sheffield was drafted this year and could become the latest should he make the Atlanta Falcons roster. The run of success under former defensive backs coach Kerry Coombs is legendary.
I don’t know if it was his departure to the NFL in 2018, youth in the secondary or dysfunction under new coaches last season, but the backend of the defense was not up to historical standards. Like the linebackers, no defensive back made first, second or third-team All-Big Ten last year.
Will 2019 be different?
The answer is a resounding yes. The 2017 class, heralded as the best defensive back class that year, is now full of juniors.
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Jeffrey Okudah, Shaun Wade and Brendon White are the headliners. Amir Riep, Marcus Williamson and Isaiah Pryor are capable of playing at a high level as well.
Josh Proctor has had a strong camp and will fight for playing time at safety.
You know who I have not mentioned yet? Jordan Fuller and Damon Arnette and both are starters.
Fuller is entering his fourth season and was the team’s leading tackler last year. Arnette is a rare fifth-year senior.
Must Read: Players of the Year prediction
This group has depth, experience and a smart position coach in Jeff Hafley that has unified the players.
The secondary only had nine interceptions last year. I expect that number to rise considerably and maybe challenge the 2016 group that nabbed 17.
Next. No clear starter or motivation for Justin Fields?. dark
Regardless, this unit will shine again and several of the guys will hear their names called next spring at the NFL Draft.