One of the most pleasant surprises of Ohio State's fall camp practices thus far has been the emergence of 5-star Pine-Richland (PA) corner Jay Timmons. The freshman could be a factor at nickel this fall if his camp practice performance sustains.
The Athletic's Cameron Teague Robinson reports that Timmons was not only a frequent first-teamer, but he showed out in his reps covering the slot.
"The five-star cornerback arrived on campus in the winter and showed flashes of his significant upside during the spring, but how much playing time he’d get remained a mystery. Then Timmons took a majority of the starter reps at nickel during the second and third days of Ohio State’s preseason camp, which were open to fans and media, and was a star," Teague Robinson wrote.
"Saturday was his best day, though. He had multiple pass breakups and registered a sack blitzing off the edge during team periods. At 5-foot-11, he’s not a big corner, but he moves well and is willing to come up and make plays against the run."
Jay Timmons put several Ohio State upperclassmen on notice
The corner spot is one where freshmen tend to step in and understand coverage more than nickels or safeties. Timmons' ability to read defenses so early in his career bodes well for his snap count. It doesn't bode well for several veterans' snap counts, though.
One is Florida State transfer Earl Little Jr., who made waves this offseason when he pointed out that the Buckeyes have more competition than Alabama had. Little has fully found elite competition in Timmons. Now at his third school, Little was probably expected to start, or at least be ahead of Timmons. He may be working from behind now. Leroy Roker has similarly made things complicated for Little at free safety.
Jermaine Matthews Jr., who should mainly line up out wide, is also in a position to steal reps from Little. Or, at least, was in a position. If Timmons really is ready for a big role at the nickel spot, maybe Matthews doesn't need to pitch in defending slots or tight ends.
Ohio State is 'obviously going to need' Jay Timmons
Star OSU corner Devin Sanchez made it pretty clear that Timmons is going to be a big part of Tim Walton and Matt Patricia's game plan this fall, despite being so new to the defensive schemes.
"It's new to him," Sanchez said. "Learning little things, and then obviously being out there, going to compete, not being scared to play, because we're obviously going to need him."
Sanchez named specific games where Timmons would be most needed. Coincidentally, it was the biggest games of the season Timmons would be called upon, including Week 2 in Austin against Texas, the defending champion Hoosiers in Indiana in October, and at the "Shoe" against Oregon in November.
Timmons could be a long-term piece in Columbus, but it appears he'll be an important player from the jump. He has the faith of his teammates and coaching staff, and he's proving them right at fall camp so far.
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