The Ohio State football team has just two weeks before the Spring Game. That will be when fans will be able to assess a roster with 51 new faces for the first time. Defensively, the Buckeyes are replacing several big-time starters, including two at the linebacker position.
Both Sonny Styles and Arvell Reese could be top-10 picks at the end of the month in the NFL Draft. Replacing both of them in the starting lineup is going to be tough. However, the Buckeyes might have another stud ready to go in the starting lineup to take at least one of those spots.
Payton Pierce will likely be one of the starters. He played a lot last season and was the third linebacker when they went in a 4-3 set. He's not the athletic freak who could make his way into the starting lineup. Riley Pettijohn is, and rival teams should be afraid of what he can bring to the table.
Riley Pettijohn could be the next freak at LB for the Ohio State football team
Pettijohn is a former four-star recruit who was one of the first big recruits that James Laurinaitis was able to bring into the program. His athleticism allows Matt Patricia to put him in a lot of different positions to be successful. He can be an edge who can rush the passer, but he can also drop into coverage.
With the linebacker room so wide open, Pettijohn has a real shot to make a statement this Spring. As a sophomore, he now has the opportunity to earn snaps that aren't just on special teams. It was very hard for him to find snaps on defense last season with Styles and Reese on the roster.
A good Spring Game could give Pettijohn a massive upper hand in landing one of those starting spots heading into the Fall. Fans are going to love what he can bring to the table this season, and they should expect to see some head-turning plays this year.