Ohio State Football: 3 predictions for Illinois game

No. 2: Marcus Hooker is replaced at the safety position

It’s time that the Ohio State coaching staff starts looking at other options at the single high safety position. Marcus Hooker unfortunately is not getting the job done. Being beat over the top consistently and missing open-field tackles, Hooker isn’t the answer for the defense right now at the ‘Eraser’ position.

Josh Proctor should be the first man up. The third-year player Proctor has played decent in his role this season as the third-down hybrid safety/linebacker. Covering running backs, slot receivers, and tight ends, Proctor has done well in his role. He also has helped defend the run well too.

What Proctor is doing this season should be seen as the slow implementation of the ‘Bullet’ position into this Buckeye defense. Proctor had this to say, via cleveland.com: 

"“I can describe (my role as) kind of like a swiss army knife,” Proctor said. “Kind of anywhere you need me.”"

Proctor has also excelled on special teams this season, including producing a huge hit on a kick return against the Hoosiers last Saturday.

While that is an important position, it cannot be seen as a priority over the single high safety role. Proctor needs to step into that role to see if he can help stabilize the back end of the secondary. I predict he gets the majority of the reps at that position on Saturday.

Redshirt freshman Ronnie Hickman can be used in Proctor’s current role. The former four-star recruit from New Jersey has been playing sparingly on defense and special teams thus far this season.