Ohio State Football: Buckeyes who need to step up in 2020
The linebacker unit is perhaps the best unit in terms of players returning. Starters returning at two spots are Pete Werner and Tuf Borland and Baron Browning being the likely replacement for Malik Harrison as the third linebacker.
The back-up spots are also strong, with Justin Hilliard, Dallas Gant and K’Vaughn Pope projected to fill the two-deep depth chart. However, the back-end of the defense is the biggest question mark.
If there was only a need to fill one cornerback spot and another was ready to step up the Buckeyes would be in a great position. Shaun Wade will take care of one side of the field but then the picture becomes murkier.
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Sevyn Banks and Cam Brown have shown talent, but neither player has gotten much real-game experience. Marcus Williamson and Tyreke Johnson have a similar level of experience and will battle with Banks and Brown for the other two spots, one covering the slot and the other opposite Wade.
The final position in the secondary (safety) will more than likely be filled by Josh Proctor, who has had his ups and downs at Ohio State. But he will need to step up to fill the hole left by Jordan Fuller, who provided consistent coverage at the back of the Ohio State defense. Marcus Hooker, younger brother of Malik, is the likely backup here.
The 2020 season will be the chance for coach Ryan Day’s Buckeyes to take the next step from a CFP semifinal to back into the national championship game, where many expect them to meet the Clemson Tigers.
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To take that next step, Buckeyes like Sevyn Banks, Josh Proctor, Zach Harrison, Trey Sermon and Garrett Wilson – among others – will need to step up for the Buckeyes to fulfill expectations. And lead the Ohio State football team to the first appearance in The National Championship Game since the 2014 season.