COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Much discussion has been devoted to the veteran depth departing Ohio State’s secondary and receiving corps.
By comparison, the three fifth-year seniors departing from the interior of the Buckeyes’ defensive line have not received the same attention. Perhaps that’s another tribute to Chase Young’s dominance. Or maybe it’s because of the abundance of experience right behind the defensive tackles at linebacker.
Regardless, Ohio State needs some new contributors to emerge quickly and solidify a defensive front that will not benefit from Young’s game-changing ability. Jaron Cornell and DaVon Hamilton combined for over 750 snaps last season, and Robert Landers was a constant presence as well.
DEFENSIVE TACKLES
| NAME | YR | HT/WT | 2019 statistics |
|---|---|---|---|
| Haskell Garrett | Sr. | 6-2/295 | 10 tackles (2.5 TFLs) |
| Antwuan Jackson | Sr. | 6-2/299 | 13 tackles (3.5 TFLs) |
| Jerron Cage | Jr. | 6-2/295 | 4 tackles (1 TFL), 1 PBU |
| Tommy Togiai | Jr. | 6-2/300 | 16 tackles (2 TFL), 1 PBU |
| Taron Vincent | Soph. | 6-2/293 | DNP |
| Jaden McKenzie | R-Fr. | 6-3/285 | N/A |
| Jacolbe Cowan | Fr. | 6-5/262 | N/A |
| Darrion Henry-Young | Fr. | 6-5/279 | N/A |
The wait is over: Vincent was a top 20 national recruit out of IMG Academy, and the No. 1 defensive tackle recruit in the 247 Sports national composite of the 2018 class. He played 10 games as a freshman but his 2019 season ended before it began thanks to surgery to repair a torn labrum.
Vincent, the son of former Pro Bowler Troy Vincent, has as much promise as any defensive player on this roster. Now he also has the opportunity — assuming he is back to full health. No reason for OSU to push that this spring, especially considering the relative lack of depth in this group.
Playing to strengths: Some of Togiai’s teammates considered him the strongest Buckeye last season — which was saying something even if only comparing him to other defensive linemen. Now he has less competition for that title, but Ohio State needs him to assert that physical tone more consistently. Unlike last season, he should have an unobstructed chance to do exactly that.
As the likely starting nose taking over for Hamilton and Landers, Togiai could play a huge role in the center of this alignment. He and these other upperclassmen also inherit a large leadership responsibility in their room. That endeavor should have already started this offseason and could be on display this spring.
The new old guys: Actually, Ohio State’s veteran depth up front could again be a strength. It might not seem like it only because these experienced tackles will assume front-line roles for the first time.
Garrett and Cage combined to play 11 defensive snaps over the final four games, per the Eleven Warriors snap tracker. They will be in that 3 technique mix with Vincent. Antwuan Jackson quietly contributed 200 snaps last season. He’ll need to be noisier while anchoring that run defense with Togiai.
SPRING PREVIEWS
• Quarterback: Justin Fields leads a group balancing production with promise
• Linebackers: In deep, veteran corps, who makes the next move?
• Tight ends: Providing stability, with the promise of more
• Defensive ends: Who leads the chase for the Buckeyes pass rush?
• Offensive line: Which former reserves step up on potentially elite unit?
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