Former Penn State defensive line coach Larry Johnson Sr. worked with a couple of big-name pupils during his debut season at Ohio State — end Joey Bosa and tackle Michael Bennett. But the Buckeyes’ front also featured another formidable player who will be a leader on one of the most talented defenses in college football. Bosa is back for another year in Columbus. And so is a veteran defensive linemen who is switching positions. SR. ADOLPHUS WASHINGTON What he does well: The 6-4, 290-pounder is a versatile interior linemen who can play either the nose tackle spot or the 3-technique, which is the position Anthony Zettel occupies on the Penn State defensive line. Washington played nose tackle for Urban Meyer’s Buckeyes during their national championship season but is expected to move to the 3-technique. [embedded content] About 2014: Washington didn’t miss a game last year and was credited with 48 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks. He had a sack in Ohio State’s national championship game win over Oregon and Washington also had an effective day in the Buckeyes’ 31-24 double overtime victory over Penn State at Beaver Stadium, collecting 1.5 tackles for loss (one sack). 2015 Penn State date: Ohio State hosts James Franklin’s Lions on Oct. 17. Moving forward: Washington, working at the tackle spot opposite the nose, should be freed up to make more plays for the Buckeyes’ fast defense. Nose tackles are expected to occupy space and multiple blockers and not always asked to rack up tackles or penetrate. Washington will be able to roam and get up the field. The guess from here is that Adolphus Washington is sitting on a big year. THE TOP 25 PLAYERS PENN STATE WILL FACE IN 2015 No. 25: Ohio State WR-KR Jalin Marshall No…
Continue Reading: Penn State in 2015: The top 25 players the Lions will face — No. 16 Ohio State DL Adolphus …
