Three Pressing Questions As Ohio State Opens Training Camp

Realistically, Ohio State’s quest to win the 2023 School Soccer Playoff started the second it misplaced to Michigan and knew it might be disregarded of the 2022 CFP.

The Buckeyes performed the Rose Bowl short-handed and pulled out one of the thrilling bowl wins in program historical past. However in an age the place everyone seems to be pushing limits within the sport and for a program that defines success with nationwide championship trophies, the Rose Bowl win was merely a very good first step in direction of getting again to the promised land.

Spring apply was productive in Columbus as we lastly acquired a glimpse of how new defensive coordinator Jim Knowles will attempt to resurrect the Silver Bullets after three fairly poor showings within the final 4 seasons.

After there have been a number of teaching adjustments within the spring and a fairly uneventful summer time for the staples of this system shifting ahead, it is lastly time to get again on the sphere.

At this time, the Buckeyes report for fall coaching camp and the primary official apply of the autumn is slated for tomorrow (Thursday) morning.

Because the staff prepares to embark on it is journey one month previous to kicking off towards Notre Dame at The ‘Shoe, listed below are essentially the most urgent questions dealing with the Buckeyes:

Who’s going to be the catalyst for toughening up the protection?

November 27, 2021 was a tough scene up in Ann Arbor. Whereas Ohio State performed nicely sufficient to remain aggressive all through the sport (particularly within the first half), Michigan ran the ball proper by means of Ohio State’s protection. No person is off the hook right here – the inside of the D-Line and the linebacking corps need to take an enormous step ahead right here.

Jim Knowles made it fairly clear within the spring he basically desires to have three safeties on the sphere. Which means there are inquiries to be answered in a linebacking room that has new blood with DeaMonte Traynum transferring to Columbus. Tommy Eichenberg performed the sport of his life in Pasadena and continues to obtain a number of reward from the teaching employees. He and Steele Chambers positive appeared to be the front-runners there after spring ball. I anticipate Cody Simon to consider as nicely. We’ll see what occurs with Teradja Mitchell, Reid Carrico and true freshman C.J. Hicks.

Ohio State additionally must stiffen up the inside within the trenches. I cherished the way in which Tyleik Williams performed as a real freshman final 12 months, however Larry Johnson has to determine how you can get this group to be considerably higher.

How rapidly can the offensive line develop some depth?

The Buckeye entrance 5 final 12 months typically appeared a bit clunky. It felt too typically just like the unit featured 4 tackles and a middle – one thing that has to vary in 2022. Dawand Jones is reportedly in the most effective form of his life and might be one of many premier proper tackles within the nation. There are awfully excessive expectations for Paris Johnson Jr., who will transfer out to left sort out. Luke Wypler would be the middle once more this fall.

Matthew Jones and Donovan Jackson look like the beginning guards at this level and each noticed substantial time final 12 months. Josh Fryar missed spring apply, however he is again and able to go, and it seems he is the first backup throughout the board proper now.

Past that, they really want to develop some depth on this group. Coaching camp can be extraordinarily vital in direction of that.

Who can be C.J. Stroud’s backup?

Kyle McCord performed a number of video games final 12 months and has a leg up on Devin Brown, however the true freshman from Canyon, Utah is highly-thought of by the teaching employees. Each guys ought to strategy this fall with the mentality that they are able to play if referred to as upon, however finally making an attempt to be as snug as attainable in Ryan Day’s offense to earn the beginning job in 2024.

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Make sure to take a look at our new message boards, Buckeye Boards. We would like to have you ever a part of the dialog throughout the season.

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