Which Buckeye will lead Ohio State in sacks

Ohio State Football: Which Buckeye will lead Ohio State in sacks

By Alex Austin | Jul 30, 2020

GLENDALE, ARIZONA - DECEMBER 28: Trevor Lawrence #16 of the Clemson Tigers is wrapped up by Zach Harrison #33 of the Ohio State Buckeyes in the first half during the College Football Playoff Semifinal at the PlayStation Fiesta Bowl at State Farm Stadium on December 28, 2019 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images) /

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Ohio State’s Jonathon Cooper is fully healthy and ready to compete in the 2020 season. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images) /

One of the quiet storylines at the end of the 2019 season was if Jonathon Cooper would take a redshirt year due to injury, or if he would choose to play against Clemson in the playoff game.

Cooper and the coaching staff decided to not play against the Tigers and allow him to come back for a complete Senior season.

Bringing the most experience and veteran leadership to the defensive line, Cooper should have a more impactful role in his last season as a Buckeye.

When healthy in 2018, Cooper recorded 2.5 sacks. Now, expected to be one of the starters at defensive end, Cooper is in prime position to at least match his career production of 6.5 sacks.

One of the things that Cooper could have going for him this year is that he knows the system better than anyone. Having so much time to work with Larry Johnson and the rest of the Ohio State staff will mean that in a season where summer practices are shortened, Cooper has less of a learning curve.

The other piece really working in Cooper’s favor is the hunger knowing this is his last season. Needing a good showing to impress NFL scouts and leave Ohio State knowing he gave his all will hopefully open up opportunities.

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