Rotating first-team players at various positions has become a common practice at Ohio State in recent years. Last season, the Buckeyes listed four players as starting defensive ends – Tyquan Lewis, Sam Hubbard, Nick Bosa and Jalyn Holmes – with each playing nearly identical snap counts throughout the season. The same has been done at other positions including cornerback, where three eventual first-round picks – Marshon Lattimore, Gareon Conley and Denzel Ward – famously split reps evenly two seasons ago. You also see a regular rotation at wide receiver, running back, and at times last season linebacker and safety. Ohio State receivers coach Zach Smith has gone as far as to say he has to have more first-team players than starting positions – six to be specific. “You have to have six,” Smith said. “Every year, I gotta have six. I tell them, there’s no three starters. They do a little video board…
Continue Reading: Rotating Offensive Linemen Isn't a Common Practice, But Ohio State Could Do It Successfully
