COLUMBUS, Ohio — During Ohio State’s national championship season in 2014, five players in their first or second seasons as Buckeyes lifted the defense. Joey Bosa, Darron Lee, Eli Apple, Vonn Bell, and Raekwon McMillan helped make the Buckeyes who they were. You can’t ever count on true freshmen, but second-year players often serve as shots of adrenaline for teams, even at elite programs. Four of those defensive starters were from Ohio State’s No. 2-ranked 2013 recruiting class, while McMillan filled his role as a true freshman from 2014. As much as anything, that shot of young player adrenaline is what the 2020 Ohio State defense lacked. In 2021, I think that’s one of the main things that should change about the defense, and Saturday’s spring game showed us that. The defense needs some help, and help is here. The OSU defense ranked 43rd in points allowed, 59th in yards…
Continue Reading: Second-year players offer solutions to Ohio State football’s defensive issues: Doug Lesmerises
