Backup defensive end Jamal Marcus, who was expected to start the first two games of next season while Noah Spence finishes his three-game suspension, has left the Ohio State program.
The earliest report came from Kyle Rowland of Eleven Warriors and said Marcus had been dismissed from the team along with receiver Brandon Ojikutu for a violation of team rules.
But according to a later report from Bill Rabinowitz of the Columbus Dispatch, Marcus is simply transferring from the program, and his departure was a mutual decision between school and player.
Marcus started for Spence against Clemson in the Orange Bowl and played the best game of his career, finishing with six total tackles and frequently making plays in the backfield. “I feel like get me on the field, I can make plays whenever I get the opportunity,” Marcus said after the performance, per Doug Lesmerises of Cleveland.com.
According to Rowland, however, Marcus was “conspicuously quiet” during spring drills and took reps with the second- and third-team defenses. The writing was kind of on the wall.
This loss does not cripple one of the nation’s top defensive lines, but it does present some questions about depth on the edge. Here are some guys who must step up to help replace Marcus in the rotation.
Steve Miller
This is the luxury of being Ohio State. When one backup defensive end transfers, another capable replacement stands waiting in the wings.
And not just any…
Continue Reading: 4 Likely Replacements for Jamal Marcus at Ohio State
