Ohio State Football Recruiting: 5-Star Raekwon McMillan 1st Step Toward SEC D

With offers from Alabama, Auburn, Florida, Georgia and South Carolina, 5-star linebacker Raekwon McMillan would have fit right into a dominant SEC defense.

The Hinesville, Ga. native had a different plan, though, committing to Urban Meyer and Ohio State on December 16. After enrolling early to participate in spring practice, McMillan is primed to provide a huge boost to the Buckeyes’ defense.

That’s a big deal for Ohio State, which has been short on impact linebackers over the last few years.

In 2012—Meyer’s first year with the Buckeyes—Ohio State had to convert its starting fullback to middle linebacker midseason because of a lack of production. In 2013, Ryan Shazier was the only proven commodity.

It’s hard to believe the school that produced recent All-Americans such as Matt Wilhelm, A.J. Hawk and James Laurinaitis would find itself in such a desperate situation for linebackers. According to Kyle Rowland of Eleven Warriors, it was Meyer’s top concern.

The linebacker position is still my biggest concern on our team. The depth is a major concern. When you think of the great linebackers here; arguably the last decade as good a linebackers as anywhere in the country played at Ohio State.

The lack of quality at the position has resulted in less-than-stellar play on the field. The Buckeyes ranked No. 46 in total defense in 2013, allowing a bloated 377 yards per game, according to NCAA.com. Nine of the 14 SEC teams fielded better…

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