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Ohio State Football: Oregon’s uber-athletic linebackers

By Riley Thomas

Steve Stephens IV, left, and Justin Flowe, center, and Noah Sewell team up to tackle Fresno State's Keric Wheatfall during the second half.Eug 090421 Duckfb 20
Steve Stephens IV, left, and Justin Flowe, center, and Noah Sewell team up to tackle Fresno State's Keric Wheatfall during the second half.Eug 090421 Duckfb 20 /
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The Ohio State football team’s running backs will have a tough test Saturday against the Oregon Ducks’ linebackers.

Oregon’s defense had some struggles against Fresno State, surrendering 298 passing yards. With that, there is some concern about Oregon’s pass defense, which could mean a big day for OSU’s passing attack. However, the Duck run defense did look stout against Fresno State. They gave up only 75 rushing yards on 30 attempts, that’s a measly 2.5 yards per run.

Oregon’s talented linebackers are one reason their run defense looked good in Week 1. Noah Sewell and Justin Flowe are the two Duck linebackers that are the ones to watch for.

Both were major talents coming out of the 2020 recruiting cycle. Sewell was a five-star ranked 13th nationally and was the second-best inside linebacker in the class. Flowe was ranked sixth nationally and was the top inside linebacker in the class.

Last season, Flowe missed the majority of the season with an injury. Sewell was a difference-maker for Oregon as he recorded 48 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, and two sacks in only seven games. He was then rewarded with being named the Pac-12 Freshman Defensive Player of the Year.

Today, Sewell mans the MIKE position while Flowe flies around at WILL.

Flowe in his second collegiate game was all over the place posting 14 tackles, one tackle for loss, and one forced fumble. Flowe’s freakish athletic ability and playmaking ability was in full effect. The Oregon WILL linebacker was then named Pac-12 Freshman of the Week.

Sewell is still a force this season as well. He had five tackles, one forced fumble, and a sack against Fresno State. Take a look at this outstanding play by Sewell.

Sewell engaged a block and then proceeded to run down the tailback on the far side of the field. Just like Flowe, Sewell is another uber-athletic linebacker. Sewell moving like this at 6-foot-3, 251 pounds is not something you see every day.

Now that the talents of both Sewell and Flowe are evident, what does that mean for the Buckeyes’ running backs?

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