Ohio State football: Cameron Brown needs to step up at cornerback

Ohio State lost two great corners to the first round of the NFL draft. They still have Wade, but they also need Cam Brown to step up.

Ohio State has been a cornerback factory for the last few years. They have produced players such as Marshon Lattimore, Eli Apple, and Denzel Ward. Last season they had Jeff Okudah and Damon Arnette, both who ended up getting drafted in the first round of the NFL Draft.

With those two gone, it’s imperative that they have guys step in to replace them. Shaun Wade is a known commodity who will likely be a first-round pick next season. But Cameron Brown isn’t and it will be up to him to keep the secondary in a strong place.

Brown will be tasked with filling some big shoes. He didn’t get a ton of playing time the last two seasons, only playing in 9 games. He did play in 8 last season though and was able to record 14 tackles. Most of those were on special teams however as he hardly got any defensive snaps.

That will change this season. With Okudah and Arnette gone and Amir Riep dismissed from the program, Brown is about to thrust into the spotlight. He played both cornerback and wide receiver in high school but was converted into a full-time corner once he arrived in Columbus.

Looking at his tape, Brown has the skills to fill that role well. He has the size at 6’1 175 to stay with receivers of all sizes. He also has the speed to not let anyone beat him deep. The biggest question with Brown is whether or not he can trust his technique when the pressure is on.

That will come with coaching. Kerry Coombs will certainly make sure Brown’s technique is as good as it possibly can be and will put him in plenty of pressure-filled scenarios in practice. Practice is only practice though. Only true games will show whether or not he has the chops.

Underestimate Brown at your own risk. He has the talent to be as good as any corner the Buckeyes have had in the past.