The Ohio State Buckeyes have more star power on their roster than any other team in college football, but head coach Urban Meyer has a trio of players in Raekwon McMillan, Curtis Samuel and Tyquan Lewis who are ready to break out in 2015. Fresh off their improbable run through the first College Football Playoff, the Buckeyes are set to enter the season as the top-ranked team. They’ll have 15 starters back for their title defense—in addition to three championship-caliber signal-callers—and they’re expected to dominate, as early lines out of Las Vegas have them as at least 14-point favorites over every opponent on their schedule, per Brett McMurphy of ESPN.com. But these three players have a great chance to break out and shine alongside Ohio State’s bevy of superstars. Raekwon McMillan, Middle Linebacker Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports The middle linebacker position was a big problem for Meyer when he took over at Ohio State. During his first year in Columbus in 2012, the Buckeyes had to convert fullback Zach Boren to defense midway through the season because of a lack of production from the position. In 2013, the linebacker unit developed into Meyer’s biggest concern as the season wore on, and the group collapsed in season-ending losses to Michigan State and Clemson. But 2014 was different, in part because of a simplified defensive scheme—but mainly because of improved depth. Darron Lee became the best-kept secret in college football, developing into a nightmare pass-rusher and an exceptional all-around defender. But McMillan’s presence was another big part of the turnaround. Sharing time with senior Curtis Grant, McMillan shined, totaling 54 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks and an interception that he returned 24 yards for a touchdown. With McMillan taking over as the primary middle linebacker, those numbers could (and should) easily double. He has outstanding instincts and finds the ball effectively, and with Lee and Joshua Perry lining up on either side of him, he’ll have plenty of opportunities to make plays…
Continue Reading: Ohio State Football: 3 Buckeyes Primed for Breakout Seasons | Bleacher Report
