DL Jack Sawyer tells reporters at the NFL combine that he is pleased with Ohio State’s 2024 defense.

As the NFL draft process unfolds, some of college football’s brightest stars are gaining more attention from scouts, coaches, and fans alike. Among them is Jack Sawyer, a standout defensive lineman from Ohio State University. Sawyer, who played a pivotal role in Ohio State’s defense over the past few seasons, recently spoke to reporters at the NFL Scouting Combine about his journey and his thoughts on the future of the Buckeyes’ defense, particularly heading into the 2024 season.

In his statement, Sawyer conveyed his confidence in the defense’s development, noting that he was excited about the team’s prospects for the 2024 campaign. Sawyer, known for his relentless play and high motor, had a notable career at Ohio State, and his insights on the team’s future are invaluable to understanding the direction the program is heading.

Jack Sawyer: A Brief Background

Before diving into Sawyer’s comments about Ohio State’s 2024 defense, it’s essential to understand his background and contributions to the team. A native of Pickerington, Ohio, Sawyer was a highly touted recruit coming out of high school. Ranked as one of the top defensive linemen in the 2021 recruiting class, he had all the tools to become a standout at the collegiate level. His combination of size, strength, and athleticism made him an ideal fit for Ohio State’s defense, which is known for its ability to develop elite defensive talent.

Sawyer made an immediate impact during his freshman season, showcasing his ability to get to the quarterback and disrupt opposing offenses. By his sophomore year, he became a key player on the defensive line for Ohio State, contributing to the team’s success in the Big Ten and the College Football Playoff discussions. His pass-rushing ability, coupled with his stout run defense, earned him recognition as one of the best young defensive players in the nation.

Throughout his time in Columbus, Sawyer continued to improve his game, refining his technique and expanding his skill set. His versatility allowed him to line up in multiple spots along the defensive line, keeping opposing offenses guessing. This made him a valuable asset for Ohio State as they faced some of the most potent offenses in college football.

Sawyer’s Comments on Ohio State’s 2024 Defense

At the NFL Scouting Combine, Jack Sawyer was asked about his experience at Ohio State, his thoughts on his future, and the direction of the program. One of the most notable points he made was regarding the defense for the 2024 season. Sawyer expressed genuine optimism about the group’s potential, highlighting several key factors that would make Ohio State’s defense one of the most formidable in the country.

1. Defensive Depth and Talent

One of the primary reasons Sawyer expressed confidence in Ohio State’s defense was the depth and talent they would return for the 2024 season. According to Sawyer, the team’s defensive line, in particular, is set to be one of the strongest in the country. Despite Sawyer’s departure for the NFL, Ohio State has several talented defensive linemen who will help maintain a high level of play.

Sawyer noted that the Buckeyes have a number of young, promising players on the defensive line, including rising stars who will be stepping into bigger roles. This depth ensures that Ohio State can continue to rotate players, keeping fresh legs on the field while maintaining their aggressiveness throughout the game. As Ohio State has shown over the years, a deep and talented defensive line is essential to their success, especially when facing high-powered offenses in the Big Ten and beyond.

Additionally, Ohio State’s defense will benefit from the return of key linebackers and defensive backs, who will work in tandem with the defensive line to form a cohesive unit. With several defensive players returning for another year, Sawyer believes that this continuity will allow the defense to play faster and more efficiently in 2024.

2. Leadership on Defense

Sawyer also pointed to the leadership present within Ohio State’s defense. While he would be moving on to the NFL, he emphasized that the Buckeyes have several players who will step up as leaders in the defensive locker room. Ohio State’s defense has always been built on strong leadership, and Sawyer believes the next generation of leaders is poised to guide the team through the upcoming season.

Players like JT Tuimoloau, Steel Chambers, and Lathan Ransom will be counted on to fill leadership roles, continuing the tradition of Ohio State players leading by example both on and off the field. According to Sawyer, the leadership on defense is one of the factors that sets Ohio State apart from other programs. The chemistry among the players, coupled with their ability to hold each other accountable, has created a culture of excellence on the defensive side of the ball.

Sawyer himself was known as a leader during his time at Ohio State, and he expressed pride in the way the defense had come together over the years. The veteran presence, combined with the influx of talented younger players, will allow Ohio State’s defense to continue its tradition of dominance in the Big Ten.

3. The Rise of the Defensive Coordinator

A crucial part of the success of any defense is the coaching staff, and Sawyer also took a moment to praise Ohio State’s defensive coordinator. With the Ohio State defense under the guidance of Jim Knowles, Sawyer believes that the Buckeyes are in good hands moving forward. Knowles, who joined the program prior to the 2022 season, has brought a new level of intensity and strategy to the defense. His system, which emphasizes aggressive play and creating turnovers, has already shown results in his first two years at Ohio State.

Sawyer noted that under Knowles’ leadership, the defense had become more dynamic and unpredictable. The schemes that Knowles implements allow players to showcase their talents in ways that maximize their strengths. Sawyer himself benefited from Knowles’ defensive schemes, which gave him the freedom to make plays while still maintaining discipline. As a result, Sawyer believes that Ohio State’s defense will continue to evolve under Knowles’ leadership in 2024, becoming even more dangerous to opposing offenses.

4. Expectations for the 2024 Season

Sawyer was clear in his belief that Ohio State’s defense would be a major strength in 2024. With a talented group returning, including strong defensive linemen, linebackers, and defensive backs, Sawyer expects Ohio State to be one of the top defenses in the country. He pointed to the team’s ability to generate pressure on the quarterback, stifle the run, and create turnovers as areas where the defense would excel.

Moreover, Sawyer believes that Ohio State’s defense will be even more dominant in high-stakes games. The defense has always been a key factor in Ohio State’s success, particularly in big games against rivals like Michigan, as well as in the postseason. Sawyer mentioned that the Buckeyes have been building towards this moment for years and that 2024 could be the year when everything clicks into place.

Looking Toward the Future

For Sawyer, the focus may now be on his professional future, but he remains invested in the success of Ohio State football. As he prepares for the NFL Draft, where he is expected to be a top pick, Sawyer knows that Ohio State’s defense has the potential to continue its upward trajectory. He remains confident in the program’s ability to compete for national championships in the years to come.

Sawyer’s comments serve as a testament to the strong foundation that has been laid at Ohio State, not just in terms of talent, but also in leadership and coaching. With the return of several key players and the continued development of their defense, Ohio State is positioned for another successful campaign in 2024. For fans, there is a lot to look forward to as the Buckeyes continue to build a defensive juggernaut that will challenge the best teams in the nation.