Ohio State Football: LB unit went from a weakness to a strength
Heading into the 2019 season a perceived weakness on the Ohio State football team was the linebacker unit. That’s no longer the case.
One of the weak links on the Ohio State football team in 2018 was the play of the linebackers. It was thought by many they were too slow.
There is no way that could be the case, Urban Meyer never recruited slow linebackers. The group just needed a coach who would keep things simple to allow them to play fast. That’s just what Al Washington did.
Malik Harrison led the team with 75 tackles, 16.5 for loss and 3.5 sacks and was chosen in the 3rd round in this years NFL Draft.
Returning starters are seniors Pete Werner and Tuf Borland. Werner registered 65 tackles with 5.5 for a loss last season. Borland had 55 tackles, 3 for a loss, 1 sack and an interception.
Harrison will be replaced by Baron Browning, a former five-star recruit who now will settle in on the outside. Last season his stats were impressive for a backup, 43 tackles, 11 for loss and 5 sacks. I can’t wait to see what Browning will do as a senior.
Three linebackers who were four star linebackers in the 2018 Ohio State recruiting class began to make their mark last season. Keep your eyes on Dallas Gant, K’Vaughan Pope and Teradja Mitchell this season. All three players performed well last year in limited action.
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With the starting linebackers on this year’s team along with the talented backups the unit could be one of the best in the country. The linebacking corps went from a perceived weakness to a strength in just one year. Props to the players and coach Washington for that.