Ohio State Football: 2nd year linebackers ready to make an impact

There were three outstanding linebackers in the 2018 Ohio State recruiting class and they are ready to make an impact this season.

Urban Meyer landed three highly ranked linebacker recruits in his 2018 class and they are now ready to make their mark this season. Expect Teradja Mitchell, Dallas Gant and K’Vaughan Pope to see plenty of action this season.

Most thought Mitchell and Gant would make an impact and now Pope has impressed the new linebackers coach Al Washington.

In an article by Dave Biddle of 247Sports he reported that Washington has been impressed with the backup linebackers, and had plenty of good things to say about Pope. Apparently he has been impressive at both the middle and outside linebacker positions which answers a question I have had since Pope was recruited.

He was the No. 9 ILB in the 2018 recruiting class, but was listed at 6 ft. 2, 210 pounds so I thought he would have to play on the outside. Now he is listed at 231 pounds on the Ohio State roster and apparently can play in the middle as well.

If he is effective inside or out he has a good chance of seeing the field, and will give coach Washington more versatility in his unit.

There were high hopes for Mitchell coming in as the No. 2 ranked ILB in the class. However, like many players at the position he needed a year of strength and conditioning before making an impact.

More from Ohio State Football

• Ohio State Football: How Denzel Burke has bounced back so far this season
• Ohio State Football rolling into form at the perfect time
• How Ohio State football has done historically versus new Big 12
• Ohio State Football: We need to see “Killer Ryan Day” at South Bend
• Ohio State Football vs. Notre Dame Prediction, Odds, Spread and Over/Under for College Football Week 4

Now expectations are high for the young man and his weight is up to 242 pounds. Don’t be surprised if Tuf Borland and Mitchell become a 1 and 1-A combo by the end of the season like Curtis Grant and Raekwon McMillan were in 2014.

Gant is 6 ft. 3, 232 ponds, was the No. 10 OLB and has made an impression on the coaching staff since the day he stepped foot on campus. Expect him to be flying around making plays.

The linebacker unit should be a fun one to watch this season. It has been widely reported coach Washington is keeping things simple so his players don’t have to think too much which will allow them to play fast.

It will also be exciting to watch what the young linebackers bring to the table and I have a feeling it will be a lot.