Defenders to watch in OSU’s spring game

April, 9, 2014 Apr 9 3:30 PM ET COLUMBUS, Ohio — Spring weather has just now finally arrived for Ohio State, but its camp is already about to come to a close. Ahead of Saturday’s exhibition game to wrap up the 15 workouts spread through March and April, we’re taking a look at players who have helped themselves and could put on a show over the weekend, switching over today to defense. + EnlargeJoe Robbins/Getty ImagesMoving inside will help both Adolphus Washington and the Buckeyes’ defensive line.LB Darron Lee The sophomore might not have been one of the popular pre-spring picks to claim the third starting job at linebacker and help fill the void left by Ryan Shazier’s early entry to the NFL draft, but Lee impressed the coaching staff enough during offseason workouts to earn the first crack at it when camp opened — and he’s done nothing since then to lose the spot. The Buckeyes have tweaked the lineup a bit with Joshua Perry moving over to weak-side linebacker in place of Shazier with Lee taking over on the strong side, and with Curtis Grant in the middle, that unit has shown some signs of getting Ohio State closer to the level it has come to expect on defense. Lee’s versatile athleticism as a former high school quarterback and defensive back has blended well with the added strength he’s put on at 225 pounds, and the Buckeyes have had little reason to explore other starting options heading into the spring game.

CB Gareon Conley One of the more touted prospects at the position a year ago, coach Urban Meyer hasn’t been shy about expressing some disappointment that Conley wasn’t ready to contribute last season and ultimately redshirted. But his skills in coverage are starting to show up more regularly now, and he’s pushing Armani Reeves hard for the second starting job opposite Doran Grant in Ohio State’s more aggressive man-to-man defense. Even if Conley doesn’t claim that gig, the Buckeyes are still likely going to have him heavily involved in the nickel and dime packages, and the rigors of playing more bump-and-run in the secondary will make having reliable, talented depth like he figures to provide invaluable. Assuming the offense again tries to stress the passing game in the closing scrimmage, Conley should have numerous chances to show his stuff on Saturday.

DT Adolphus Washington Now a junior with some proven ability when it counts on his resume, Washington isn’t exactly emerging out of nowhere. He’s also previously had a breakout spring that ended with a prolific performance in the exhibition game that seemingly announced his arrival as a future star. But injuries and what appeared to be uncertainty about the best way to use Washington kept him from truly becoming the havoc-wreaking force the Buckeyes expected last season, and in some respects that made the 6-foot-4, 288-pounder a bit of an afterthought heading into camp. His move to defensive tackle, though, has provided the stability perhaps needed to allow him to flourish — and when healthy, there’s never been a need to question his physical tools. With Noah Spence and Joey Bosa on the edge and Michael Bennett returning on the inside, a rejuvenated Washington could be the piece that gives Ohio State one of the most relentless pass rushes in the nation.

Covers Ohio State and the Big Ten.Joined ESPN in 2012.Attended the University of Wyoming. Tags:Ohio State Buckeyes, Darron Lee, urban meyer, Michael Bennett, joey bosa, Armani Reeves, Adolphus Washington, Noah Spence, Curtis Grant, Ryan Shazier, Doran Grant, Joshua Perry, Gareon Conley

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