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Ohio State Football: 5 most important Buckeyes on defense

By Frank Teriaca

Shaun Wade is looking for a big season to make him the number one corner taken in next year's draft. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
Shaun Wade is looking for a big season to make him the number one corner taken in next year's draft. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /
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PASADENA, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 01: Baron Browning #5 of the Ohio State Buckeyes breaks free to open field during the Rose Bowl Game Presented by Northwestern Mutual between Washington and Ohio State, on January 01, 2019 in Pasadena, California. The Ohio State Buckeyes top the Washington Huskies 28-23 at Rose Bowl. (Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images)
PASADENA, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 01: Baron Browning #5 of the Ohio State Buckeyes breaks free to open field during the Rose Bowl Game Presented by Northwestern Mutual between Washington and Ohio State, on January 01, 2019 in Pasadena, California. The Ohio State Buckeyes top the Washington Huskies 28-23 at Rose Bowl. (Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images) /

No. 2: Baron Browning. linebacker

This is the season that the former five-star recruit from Kennedale, Texas has been waiting for. Baron Browning will be on the field for most of the defenses snaps next season as he will be heavily relied upon to be one of the stars of this defense.

Browning possesses all of the physical traits that you look for out of an outstanding linebacker as this will be the season that we will fully be able to see it. Without a log jam at the linebacker position anymore, it’s up to Browning to take control of his position and flourish.

Expect to see Browning put his hand down on the ground and become a pass rusher on third down situations next season. With 43 tackles and 5 sacks from a season ago, Browning will be looked at to help provide a pass rush now that Ohio State is losing four defensive linemen from last season.

And Browning is switching positions from an inside role to outside, something that he is very comfortable with.  This is what Browning said via Lettermen Row:

"“It’s more of my natural position that I played in high school, so I feel comfortable doing it and I’m excited for it.”"

The Buckeyes will need Browning to play at a five-star level in order to achieve its goals for next season.

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