Ohio State Football: Who fits best at LEO position?

The Ohio State football team has a new position to learn within their new defensive scheme. Jim Knowles brings along the LEO position. It’s a new position that the Buckeyes haven’t utilized in any of their defensive schemes over the years. So what exactly is it?

The LEO position is essentially someone who stands up near the line of scrimmage. Instead of having four down linemen, there are three, and there is someone roaming near the line of scrimmage. Or, they could still put their hand on the ground as well. That player could be a defensive lineman or it could be a linebacker.

Who on this roster is the best fit to play that sort of position? If you go with a defensive lineman, which most teams and coaches do including Knowles, Jack Sawyer seems like an excellent candidate for that spot. He has the versatility and speed to either put his hand in the dirt or rush from a two-point stance.

Sawyer’s time on the field was inconsistent last season. He should get more snaps this season as either a traditional defensive end or the Leo. Sawyer showed in last year’s Spring game what kind of ceiling he could have as a pass rusher. More snaps should equal more production.

Zach Harrison could end up playing some LEO too. This is his last year to make an impact with the Ohio State football program and he hasn’t lived up to the hype. Maybe switching up his positions and getting him to rush the passer from different angles could help him.

The Spring Game will give us a better indication of who might get a chance to get some snaps at this new position. It’s one of several things I’ll be watching on the defensive side of the ball.