During spring practice, Ohio State football aims to strengthen its secondary by focusing on improving coverage skills, depth, and developing younger players for key defensive roles.
As spring practice unfolds for Ohio State football, a program known for its rich tradition, high expectations, and relentless pursuit of excellence, the focus has turned toward improving key areas of the defense. One area that stands out in particular is the secondary. In recent years, the Buckeyes have boasted a high-powered offense and a talented defense, but the secondary has been a source of both strength and inconsistency at times. With several standout players moving on to the NFL and some new faces coming into the fold, the coaching staff is focused on improving the depth, coverage, and overall performance of Ohio State’s defensive backfield.
The secondary’s importance in modern college football cannot be overstated. With offenses becoming more dynamic and the passing game continuing to evolve, a team’s ability to shut down the opposing passing attack is critical to its overall success. For Ohio State, strengthening the secondary is not only about replacing outgoing stars but also about developing younger talent, refining coverage techniques, and ensuring that the unit is prepared to face the best quarterbacks in the country.
This article will take an in-depth look at Ohio State’s intentions for its secondary during spring practice. From the new additions to the coaching staff to the returning players and potential positions battles, we will analyze how the Buckeyes are working to improve one of the most critical components of their defense.
The Importance of the Secondary in Ohio State’s Defensive Scheme
Before diving into the specifics of Ohio State’s spring practice plans, it’s important to understand the critical role the secondary plays in the team’s defensive strategy. Under head coach Ryan Day and defensive coordinator Jim Knowles, Ohio State’s defense has undergone significant transformations, particularly with the adoption of a more aggressive, multiple-look defensive scheme.
In this defense, the secondary is tasked with more than just pass coverage; they are often asked to play physically at the line of scrimmage, make tackles in space, and provide support in the run game. The cornerbacks and safeties need to be versatile, able to adapt to a variety of offensive schemes, and communicate effectively with the front seven to provide a complete defensive effort.
The defensive backfield, often referred to as the “back seven” in football, is essential for shutting down opposing passing attacks and preventing big plays. With quarterbacks becoming more mobile and wide receivers running faster, it’s crucial for the Buckeyes’ defensive backs to possess top-tier coverage skills, speed, and the ability to make quick adjustments. Spring practice gives the team a chance to fine-tune these skills and work toward the ultimate goal of becoming a stronger, more cohesive unit.
Departures and Opportunities: Replacing Key Pieces
One of the biggest storylines for Ohio State’s secondary this offseason is the departure of several key players who have moved on to the NFL. Players like cornerbacks Denzel Burke and Cam Brown, as well as safety Lathan Ransom, were key contributors to Ohio State’s defense over the last few years. With their departure, Ohio State enters spring practice with a mix of experienced returnees and unproven players eager to seize an opportunity.
While these departures leave voids in the secondary, they also create opportunities for new players to step up and assume leadership roles. Ohio State has an abundance of talent in its recruiting classes, and the coaching staff is ready to see which players will rise to the occasion.
Cornerback: Who Will Step Up?
Cornerback is one of the most crucial positions in modern college football, and Ohio State’s ability to match up with elite wide receivers will play a pivotal role in the team’s success. Over the years, the Buckeyes have produced elite cornerbacks who have gone on to thrive in the NFL, and the program is eager to continue that tradition.
Ohio State enters spring practice with a few returning cornerbacks who have shown promise. Denzel Burke, though still a young player, has flashed big-play ability during his time at Ohio State. After a strong freshman campaign, Burke experienced some ups and downs in his sophomore season but remains one of the team’s most talented players in the secondary. Burke’s ability to bounce back and become a more consistent lockdown cornerback will be vital for Ohio State’s defense moving forward.
Another returning cornerback to watch is Jahsen Wint. Wint, who has shown flashes of brilliance during his time with the team, will look to further develop his skills in spring practice. His ability to match up against big receivers and provide physicality in coverage could be key for Ohio State as they face a more dynamic and physical group of wideouts in the Big Ten.
In addition to Burke and Wint, Ohio State also has some highly touted recruits who could make an immediate impact. Jyaire Brown, a freshman cornerback, has been turning heads since his arrival, and the coaching staff is excited to see how quickly he can adapt to the college game. Spring practice will be crucial for Brown as he competes for a starting role, as he is seen as a potential breakout player for the Buckeyes’ defense.
The battle for cornerback positions is wide open, with several talented players vying for playing time. How these players perform in spring practice will go a long way in determining who earns starting spots in the fall.
Safety: A Need for Consistency
The safety position is another area of focus for Ohio State’s secondary during spring practice. With Lathan Ransom moving on, the Buckeyes are looking for someone to step into a leadership role in the defensive backfield. Safety play is crucial for Ohio State’s defense, as safeties are often asked to cover both the deep middle of the field and support against the run.
Josh Proctor, a veteran safety, is one of the players who will look to fill the leadership void left by Ransom’s departure. Proctor has been a mainstay in the secondary for several seasons and will be relied upon to anchor the Buckeyes’ safety group. His ability to read the quarterback, cover deep routes, and make key tackles in open space will be critical as the team looks to improve its pass defense.
Alongside Proctor, Jahsen Wint could also be in the mix at safety, although he is more commonly seen as a cornerback. Still, with the versatility of Ohio State’s defensive scheme, Wint may be asked to play multiple positions in the secondary. His ability to provide a physical presence in the box and cover tight ends or running backs out of the backfield will be an important factor for the Buckeyes.
One of the most intriguing players to watch at safety is Kye Stokes, a young and talented recruit who has impressed the coaching staff during spring practices. Stokes has the skill set to make an immediate impact, and his ability to develop throughout the spring will be closely monitored. If Stokes can prove himself in coverage and earn the trust of the coaching staff, he could see significant playing time in the fall.
Key Goals for Spring Practice: Coverage, Depth, and Development
While there are certainly important position battles taking place in Ohio State’s secondary, spring practice is about more than just evaluating individual players. The coaching staff has several key objectives they are looking to accomplish to ensure the secondary is ready for the challenges that lie ahead.
1. Improving Coverage Skills
One of the biggest areas of focus during spring practice is improving coverage skills. Ohio State’s secondary has had moments of brilliance, but they’ve also been exposed at times by opposing quarterbacks who can make pinpoint throws down the field. To combat this, the coaching staff is emphasizing the need for better communication, tighter coverage, and quicker reaction times in the secondary.
Working on footwork, hand placement, and positioning will be crucial for both cornerbacks and safeties. Players will also focus on studying opposing offenses, particularly the best wide receivers and quarterbacks in the Big Ten, to better understand what they’ll face in the fall. By improving their coverage skills, the Buckeyes hope to limit explosive plays and shut down opposing offenses through the air.
2. Developing Depth
As with any position group, depth is a critical factor in the success of the secondary. Injuries, fatigue, and matchup issues can all arise during a long season, so it’s essential for Ohio State to have a deep rotation of talented players at cornerback and safety. Spring practice gives the coaching staff an opportunity to evaluate which players can provide meaningful contributions off the bench.
Several players who may not be the immediate starters still have a chance to earn valuable playing time in the fall. The ability to rotate players in and out of the lineup without sacrificing performance will be crucial, especially as the team faces tough conference games and potential postseason matchups.
3. Leadership Development
With the departure of key players, the Buckeyes are looking for new leaders in the secondary. Whether it’s a cornerback or a safety, Ohio State needs players who can take charge and keep the defense organized on the field. Leadership development is a key aspect of spring practice, as coaches work to instill confidence in younger players and encourage older players to step into leadership roles.
Building a Strong Secondary for the 2023 Season
Ohio State’s intentions for the secondary during spring practice are clear: improve coverage, develop depth, and prepare the defense for the challenges that await in the 2023 season. With a mix of returning players and new talent, the Buckeyes have the potential to field a dominant defensive backfield that can match up with the best teams in the country.
As spring practice continues, all eyes will be on the secondary to see which players emerge as key contributors. The Buckeyes have a long history of producing elite defensive backs, and with a strong coaching staff and a wealth of talent, Ohio State looks poised to continue that tradition.
With a focused effort during spring practice, Ohio State’s secondary can become one of the most formidable units in college football, ensuring the Buckeyes are prepared for the road ahead. As the 2023 season
draws closer, the Ohio State secondary will be ready to rise to the occasion.
