Ohio State Football: Three-star recruits ‘Big’ part of Buckeyes’ success

Robert Landers:  No. 28 DT, (481)

As an undersized nose tackle, Landers used his quickness to make it difficult for interior offensive linemen to keep him out of the backfield. Last season he dealt with injuries but still had 14 tackles with 6.5 for a loss in only 9 games.

DaVon Hamilton:  No. 63 DT, (998)

The defensive tackle didn’t exactly set the world on fire his first couple of years at Ohio State but came on strong. Last season Hamlton had 28 tackles, 9.5  were for a loss and he had 6 sacks. Hamilton was voted third team All-Big Ten by both the coaches and the media.

Damon Arnette:  No. 52 CB, (663)

The cornerback had a rocky road early in his Ohio State career but continued to improve and performed well in 2018. Last season, Arnette became the DB many expected him to be under Jeff Haley’s tutelage.

He had one interception and returned it 96 yards, registered 35 tackles and was credited for 8 passes defended. He was named second team All-Big Ten by both the coaches and the media.

Now for the lone two-star recruit.

Liam McCullough:  No. 1 LS, (NA)

Long snappers don’t get recognized often, but if they don’t do their job punters and kickers won’t perform well. Last year McCullough was a big reason placekicker Blake Haubeil was third team All-Big Ten and punter Drue Christman was Honorable Mention.

These players may have been undervalued in 2015 but they certainly weren’t in 2019. Without these former three-star recruits, I doubt the Buckeyes would have finished 13-1, won another Big Ten title and made the College Football Playoff.