COLUMBUS – The state of Ohio has problems as a linebacker.
Fortunately for Al Washington and the Buckeyes, too much talent and too much depth are good problems to have. Three entrees return. A sixth-year taxpayer also returns for a final season. And third-year game makers are looking to exploit.
Ohio State’s linebacker room is as deep as ever.
“We have a great pool of talented linebackers,” linebacker Baron Browning said. “So you can get a lot of guys on the field and just roll guys so everyone can play and keep the guys cool.”
As part of Linebacker Week at Lettermen Row, we are breaking down who is a lock for playtime, who can be in the mix to contribute and who can expect to see from the sidelines.
Ohio State Starters Insurance
Pete Werner: The most versatile defensive player on the list, Werner can play the run well, cover massive tight ends, and slip back into a pseudo-security role when asked. Simply put, Werner can line up anywhere and excel for Ohio State, giving Al Washington a lot of flexibility in what he wants to do defensively. Werner will be a defense leader as a third-year starter and should be in the conversation to earn all the Big Ten honors during his final campaign for the Buckeyes.
Tuf Borland: The soon-to-be three-time captain for the Buckeyes has blocked criticism for playing at a high level for two seasons, so there’s not much concern that he won’t be able to do it again. Borland is more than just a leader. It is a key piece of defense that was one of the best in the country last season. If the Buckeyes are going to replicate that in 2020, Borland will have to be a big part of success. Criticism will not decrease, but neither will Borland’s level of play.
Tuf Borland and Pete Werner will lead the Ohio linebackers. (Birm / Lettermen Row)
Baron Browning: Browning finally began to realize his five-star potential last season, doing so from a variety of locations on the field. He was a passer at the end of the game against Penn State. He spied on the quarterbacks when he needed to. He proved to be a capable zone defender, and has always had the ability to fill the race. Oh, and he can run side to side with his odd athleticism. The next step is the superstar status for Browning. Can he take that step?
In the mix
Justin Hilliard: No player on the Ohio State roster has had worse luck with injuries than Hilliard, who has had numerous setbacks in his five seasons with the Buckeyes. But the former five-star recruit was able to stay on the field last season and make an impact, especially against long-running opponents on the schedule. Serving as fourth linebacker, Hilliard began making plays and showing that he can also be a force this season. With a sixth season, Hilliard has something to prove on his last shot with the Buckeyes.
Teradja Mitchell: If there is a prominent candidate in the linebacker room, it is certainly Teradja Mitchell, who was expected to enter the scene last season. She’s been buzzing around her ever since she came to Ohio, and now it’s time to turn hype into productivity. He may not be a starter, but he’s ready to have a bigger role in defending Silver Bullets. His forceful nature and instinctive athleticism allow him to be in the right places at the right time to make big plays. Expect Mitchell to be key to the Buckeyes defense this season.
K’Vaughan Pope: Mitchell is not Virginia’s only rising star at linebacker. Don’t forget K’Vaughan Pope, who contributed to special teams in her first two seasons and has shown that she can also make great plays for the Ohio State defense. Pope had an interception in consecutive games against Rutgers and Maryland a year ago, proving that he has good hands and enough athleticism to make an impact. He has played in 23 games during his career, but mainly on special teams. Is this finally when you can have a bigger role in defending the Buckeyes?
K’Vaughan Pope should have a role in defending the state of Ohio. (Birm / Lettermen Row)
Dallas Gant: At the end of the three talented junior linebackers, Gant is often overlooked, but he’s been shown to be productive when he’s on the field. Gant has been a key contributor on special teams for the Buckeyes, and last season, he appeared in all 14 games. He finished the year with 21 tackles, three tackles to loss and 1.5 sacks after having six tackles during his first year campaign. It will be difficult to enter the field, but Gant has shown that he is capable when he is outside.
Work to do
Mitchell Melton: A three-star linebacker from Maryland, Melton signed up this summer. At 6 feet 3 inches and about 240 pounds, he has the frame to be a good linebacker for Ohio State. You just haven’t had many opportunities to show anything yet.
Craig Young: Young appeared in 10 games for the Buckeyes last season, most of his appearances on special teams. He had five tackles and will again contribute to special teams this coming season.
Tommy Eichenberg: Eichenberg appeared in just four games last season and grabbed a red jersey during his first season on campus. He should be a solid special teams player this season, where he can step up to prove he belongs on the field in 2021.
