Ohio State Football: Two former Buckeyes are crushing it in the NFL
The Ohio State football team may have gifted the Cleveland Browns two future stars in Ronnie Hickman and Dawand Jones.
The Ohio State football program is known for putting talented players in the NFL. But two unexpected Buckeye rookie players are doing big things for the Cleveland Browns this training camp.
After another stellar performance in Friday night’s preseason contest, Offensive tackle Dewand Jones and safety Ronnie Hickman are starting to look like steals for the Browns. Jones, who has allowed zero sacks through two games in which he’s played the majority of the snaps, is looking like the Browns’ future at right tackle. And Hickman, with two interceptions on Friday night, is proving to his doubters that he should have been drafted back in April.
Hickman is also showing that his knowledge of the game is helping him tremendously in trying to make the Browns’ 53-man roster. He clearly read those interceptions well, broke on the ball, and made the plays. Here is what Hickman said after the game on Friday, via Eleven Warriors:
"“I knew I was close to the end zone, so I didn’t want to back up too much. I felt the breaking route, was able to lock eyes with the quarterback and kind of saw him staring at it. I just went to go make a play on the ball and was fortunate enough to come down with it.”"
Hickman also showed an ability in Friday night’s game against the Washington Commanders to make plays at the line of scrimmage in the run game, something that will only help improve his stock in trying to make the club.
Jones on the other hand has been a brick wall at right tackle. Allowing zero pressures in his first game last week against the Jets in the Hall of Fame Game, Jones quickly assured everyone that it wasn’t a fluke as he played just as well in Friday night’s game against Washington.
Next. Scarlet and Game’s Preseason All-Big Ten Team. dark
Hopefully, these two former Ohio State football players can keep up the good work that they have provided this far and make the Browns’ 53-man roster. And if these two continue to excel, earning starting roles on the team is not out of the question.