Ohio State football: Who wins right tackle battle?

Perhaps the strongest part of the Ohio State football team is their offensive line. A big starting spot is still up for grabs though: right tackle.

The Ohio State football program has a long history of having great offensive linemen. That’s the main reason why the running game is always so good. That won’t change in the 2020 season either. One big starting position remains up for grabs though.

That position is key for the Buckeyes to keep their stellar running game at the high level they’re used to. Two main players are fighting for that starting spot, and both were the number one tackle in their recruiting class. They are Nicholas Petit-Frere and Paris Johnson Jr.

Johnson Jr. is the hotshot freshman coming in highly touted. He is one actually the 12th best recruit the Buckeyes have ever signed according to 247 Sports. He has a lot of talent and will be a great tackle whenever he is able to get onto the field.

The biggest obstacle for that this season is Petit-Frere. Petit-Frere is another five-star tackle that the Buckeyes have fighting for that right tackle job. Petit-Frere is the 9th best recruit in Ohio State history. The number one recruit from the class of 2018 has a big opportunity to finally make an impact.

Petit-Frere has the edge in this battle going into fall camp. Because of the pandemic, the Buckeyes didn’t have an opportunity to play spring ball. Neither Petit-Frere and Johnson both will now have to fight for that right tackle position right before the season starts.

The coaching staff isn’t giving much away. Offensive line coach Greg Studrawa has been keeping things to himself in terms of who he thinks might emerge from this battle victorious. Personally, I would be shocked if Petit-Frere did not win the job. He has the talent and he has the experience of learning the last few years.

It will be a very interesting battle all fall between these two top guys. No matter who wins the job, they will be a great option at right tackle