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Ohio State Football: Four biggest things to watch for in 2021

By Ryan Stano

Ohio State Buckeyes defensive end Tyreke Smith (11) tackles Clemson Tigers quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) on a run in the third quarter during the College Football Playoff semifinal at the Allstate Sugar Bowl in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans on Friday, Jan. 1, 2021.Xxx Osu20sugar Kwr 38 Jpg Usa La
Ohio State Buckeyes defensive end Tyreke Smith (11) tackles Clemson Tigers quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) on a run in the third quarter during the College Football Playoff semifinal at the Allstate Sugar Bowl in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans on Friday, Jan. 1, 2021.Xxx Osu20sugar Kwr 38 Jpg Usa La /
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The Ohio State football team desperately needs someone to step up in the secondary.College Football Playoff Ohio State Faces Clemson In Sugar Bowl
The Ohio State football team desperately needs someone to step up in the secondary.College Football Playoff Ohio State Faces Clemson In Sugar Bowl /

There was no unit that was more maligned a season ago than the secondary. We have spent all offseason lamenting it as well. Shaun Wade is no longer here and the Buckeyes are without an All-American in the secondary for the first time in a while.

So who can step up and be the next All-American defensive back? A lot of people think it could be Sevyn Banks, but I’m not convinced. He got burned a lot a season ago and has had just a so-so camp so far. He hasn’t shown significant improvement yet.

I think I have to hitch my hopes on Josh Proctor being that type of guy. He is the undisputed safety back there and will get the playing time he needs to shine. He has the physical tools to get the job done, he just has to not make mental mistakes out there.

Specifically, I’ll be watching the cornerbacks on this team. Based on reports coming out of camp, it looks like Kerry Coombs will be playing a lot of defensive backs. That can either be a good thing or a bad thing. It could mean they like their depth. To me, that means that no one has stepped up and looked great, which is deeply concerning.

The next thing I’ll be watching for is also on the defensive side of the ball with a unit that has hardly any experience at all.

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