Ohio State Football: 4 Players Who Will Be Key to Buckeyes’ 2014 Season

Recruiting and preparing his team to play Clemson in the Orange Bowl are top priorities right now for Ohio State head coach Urban Meyer. On January 4, his attention will turn to 2014.

Even though fans are disappointed that their team came up a little short in its quest for a national title this year, they can take comfort in knowing that the sting and bitterness will drive the players during the offseason.

The coaching staff certainly has its work cut out for it. The Buckeyes are saying goodbye to running back Carlos Hyde, offensive linemen Jack Mewhort, Corey Linsley, Marcus Hall and Andrew Norwell, cornerback Bradley Roby and maybe even Ryan Shazier. Despite the challenges of replacing these veterans, the Buckeyes are considered legitimate title contenders in 2014.

To make a run at the inaugural College Football Playoff, four players will need to step up and carry the team.

Taylor Decker

As the lone returning starter on the offensive line next season, the 6’7”, 315-pound Decker will need to step into a leadership role and demand the same intensity from the new players that this year’s seniors brought each day.

In a press conference on December 19, as reported by the Buckeyes’ official website, Coach Meyer said this year’s offensive line has been one of the better lines at Ohio State because of the work ethic of Mewhort, Norwell and Hall. Meyer continued saying that pressure…

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