Ohio
Ohio State LB Could Follow Path Of Denver Broncos Edge Rusher
C.J. Hicks currently finds himself in the middle of a battle for the starting Will linebacker job with Sonny Styles. Although the starter for the Ohio State Buckeyes is still not fully determined, defensive coordinator Jim Knowles recently discussed getting both players on the field and potentially using some three-linebacker sets.
Sonny Styles was recently named to Bruce Feldman’s annual “freaks” list and for good reason. The converted safety can fly around the field and makes plays no matter where he is lined up. At the same time, Hicks is getting some major praise for his blitzing ability. Eleven Warriors recently wrote about James Laurinaitis and Cody Simon both raving about Hicks.
With the team’s linebackers coach saying that Hicks is “probably the best blitzer in our room” and the veteran Mike linebacker also calling Hicks “one of the best blitzers on our team”, it certainly drives home the notion that Hicks is a threat in the backfield.
Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Cody Simon (30) and Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker C.J. Hicks (11) celebrate a defensive stop during the first half of their game against Minnesota Golden Gophers on Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023 at Ohio Stadium. / Clare Grant/The Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK
In recent memory, there was one former Ohio State linebacker who seemed to be more dangerous in the backfield than anywhere else – that would be Baron Browning. Browning was with the Buckeyes from 2017-2020, but shined as a blitzer during the 2019 season. During that season he tallied five sacks, while also having 43 total tackles from his linebacker position. Browning possessed a strong, sturdy frame which translated to him spending plenty of time as an inside linebacker. His versatility allowed him to also play some outside linebacker and even defensive end.
Although Browning could really do it all, his best flashes were when closer to the line of scrimmage. His physicality and explosiveness shined when rushing the passer. The Denver Broncos benefitted from drafting him in the third round of the 2021 NFL Draft and placing him at outside linebacker in their 3-4 defensive scheme.
In 2022, Browning had 24 total tackles and five sacks in just 14 games. Unfortunately for both Browning and Denver, he missed the first six games of the 2023 season due to a meniscus tear. Upon returning, he once again looked to be one of the team’s most dangerous pass rushers, tallying 4.5 sacks and two forced fumbles in just 10 games.
Browning is currently listed at 6’3″, 240 pounds, while C.J. Hicks is listed at 6’3″, 233 pounds. An almost identical match in size. In addition to the similar size and build, if Hicks can offer the same type of explosiveness and ability as a pass rusher, then his game may also best translate to that of a 3-4 outside linebacker in the NFL.
If Styles does manage to secure the starting Will linebacker job, then perhaps Hicks would make the perfect designated pass rusher on the field. Even with Knowles stating that there would be some more three-linebacker sets, it is hard to imagine Ohio State not keeping five defensive backs on the field most plays. On obvious passing downs, like third-and-long, perhaps one down lineman could come out for a player like Hicks. Hicks could align close to the line of scrimmage outside of either Jack Sawyer or J.T. Tuimoloau.
The use of speed and aggressiveness is certainly intriguing. This could be a beneficial and productive tactic if the Ohio State coaching staff decides to use it to their advantage. Not only could it help the Buckeyes this year, but it could further benefit Hicks for when he does eventually get to the NFL.
If Hicks can consistently display a Browning-like explosiveness, Ohio State fans will likely get to see him make a big impact this season, regardless of the exact role.
Ohio
Mary Lucille Young, Youngstown, Ohio
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (MyValleyTributes) – Mrs. Mary Lucille Young, 74, of Youngstown, departed this life on Friday, April 10, 2026 at her residence where God welcomed her home.
Mary, affectionately known as “Mary Lou” and “Tang”, was born March 8, 1952 in Youngstown, a daughter of Lawrence and Ada Mae Alexander Hamilton Young.
She was a proud 1971 graduate of South High School.
Mary was a member of New Bethel Baptist Church.
She attended Louis Weinberger Hill Beauty School, and was accepted as a model with Barbizon Modeling Agency.
Mary worked and retired from Youngstown Sheet and Tube.
She enjoyed looking her best, dancing, shopping, casinos and decorating her home. Mary was strong, bold and took no mess. She was loved by many people.
She leaves to cherish her memories, her pride and joy, two daughters, Adalatesha Bright and Richlynn Bright; two sons, Ja-Juan Young and Dr. Ty-Juan Bright all of Youngstown; five grandchildren; two sisters, Cynthia (Floyd) Davis, Janet (Steve) Gardner both of Youngstown; and a host of family and friends.
Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by a son, Michael Lamar Young; three brothers, Isaiah, Edward, Lorenzo Young.
Private services were held at the L.E. Black, Phillips & Holden Funeral Home.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Mary Lucille Young, please visit our floral store.
Ohio
NWSL announces expansion to Columbus, Ohio
The NWSL is once again expanding, this time the league is heading to Ohio where Columbus NWSL 2028 will take the field. Of course, Columbus NWSL 2028 is a placeholder for now and the the new team will unveil its name, crest, and uniform to build an identity around as it approaches its first season.
News of the club was announced yesterday, though this has been in the works for some time, in a press conference. Team owners, the Haslam Sports Group (HSG), Nationwide and Drs. Christine and Pete Edwards, spoke about what they hope the club will bring to Columbus and women’s soccer more broadly.
“Our family is thrilled to help bring an NWSL team to Columbus and further invest in Ohio, with the honor of bringing the 18th team into the league,” said Haslam Sports Group Managing Partner Whitney Haslam Johnson. “We believe in the power of women’s sports and are humbled to be part of the number one women’s soccer league in the world.”
Nationwide insurance has been a corporate partner in both NWSL and MLS for years and now joins an ownership group deepening those ties. “Today’s announcement is about inspiring young athletes across Central Ohio, elevating women’s professional sports and reminding the world that Columbus is a first-class sports city,” said Kirt Walker, Nationwide Chief Executive Officer. “As Nationwide marks 100 years, this is a powerful way to celebrate our milestone with the community that has been our home from the very beginning.”
The Edwards family has deep roots in the Columbus soccer scene with Dr. Pete Edwards serving as team doctor for the Crew in 1996 and the family joining the team’s ownership in 2019 during the Save The Crew effort. “Columbus is very important to our family. For over 30 years, we’ve supported the Columbus Crew and MLS. We’ve seen how a men’s professional soccer team has brought people together and created a positive impact in our community. It’s truly special to now welcome an NWSL club and the incredible women athletes who will also uplift our city on and off the pitch,” said Dr. Christine Edwards. “We’re very excited to partner with Haslam Sports Group and Nationwide for NWSL Columbus 2028, and we can’t wait to share even more memorable moments with fans, especially during the Club’s first game at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field.”
The NWSL has continued its expansion with the announcement and the team will join Atlanta in its inaugural season in two years.
Ohio
Ex-Ohio State president Ted Carter’s girlfriend would sneak through campus garage to get to his office, report reveals
Disgraced ex-Ohio State President Ted Carter repeatedly snuck his alleged failing podcaster lover through a campus garage for secret visits to his office as he funneled university resources into her business ventures, a shocking new report claims.
The report into the circumstances behind Carter’s abrupt exit from his cushy $1.5 million-a-year role last month detailed his secret office rendezvous with Krisanthe Vlachos, host of “The Callout Podcast,” and at least five trips he took with her.
The duo jetted off to Richmond, Virginia; Orlando, Florida; Kansas City, Missouri; Colorado Springs, Colorado; and Las Vegas – with the married 66-year-old allegedly cooking up a fake business excuse for one trip, the report released Tuesday by the college found.
One social media post showed the pair at a Colorado Springs conference in January, with the ex-prez smiling next to Vlachos, who is clad in an all-black leather getup.
Carter – married to Lynda Carter for nearly 45 years – admitted giving Vlachos “inappropriate access” to university leadership and public resources to boost her private business when he voluntarily resigned.
The probe found he tapped at least 14 staffers to help his purported paramour, who hosted a veteran-focused podcast, including efforts to score her a university job, campus space, support staff, and financial backing from the school and outside agencies like JobsOhio for different business ventures.
“Carter’s actions betrayed Ohio State’s shared values and violated university policy,” the 47-page report said, adding his “wide-ranging” efforts dragged on for almost two years.
“Carter had a close personal and business relationship with Vlachos and he allowed that relationship to improperly influence his actions and impair his judgement.”
JobsOhio shelled out $60,000 to the prexy’s reported flame to produce four podcast episodes about veteran issues – though only one was completed, the agency said last month.
The company, which said its decision to invest was driven by Carter’s recommendation, is now trying to “clawback” the funds after all of Vlacho’s poorly performing podcast episodes were hastily removed from YouTube and other streamers when the scandal erupted.
Carter – who served as a Top Gun pilot and instructor during 38 years in the Navy – admitted in one episode he was a “frequent flyer” on the floundering show, appearing as a guest at least nine times since 2024.
JobsOhio also dished out $10,000 to sponsor a January 2025 event for vets and military families at Ohio State, calling it an “opportunity that Ms. Vlachos brought our attention.”
The agency’s handouts for Vlachos came to an end after she requested a $2.9 million investment in her proposed mobile app, which aimed to help Ohio veterans get jobs.
An Ohio State spokesman previously confirmed officials were investigating an LLC registered to Vlachos at a university-owned building, in connection with the ex-leader’s departure.
Carter and Vlachos have not responded publicly to the relationship allegations.
With Post wires.
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