Ohio State defensive players to keep an eye on: Who can make an impact this spring?

Tuesday marks the beginning of Ohio State’s spring football season, which means it’s time to start looking ahead to 2024.

Here are a few defensive guys to watch after we discussed some offensive players to watch on Wednesday.

Players from Ohio State who could have an offensive effect in spring

On defense, the Buckeyes have a strong lineup. They feature a strong secondary led by J.T. Tuimoloau and Jack Sawyer, two of the team’s gifted edge rushers, and are down just four starters from the squad from the previous season.

Although we are aware of the starting lineup, depth is more crucial than ever in the event of an extended College Football Playoff. Here are several players to keep an eye on this summer as the defense will be mostly dependent on them.

Defensive ends Caden Curry and Kenyatta Jackson Jr.

It’s time for Jackson and Curry to take the next step. Last season, the expectation was that the Buckeyes would lose Tuimoloau and Sawyer to the NFL Draft, relying on Jackson and Curry. However, with both Tuimoloau and Sawyer returning, it provides another offseason for Jackson and Curry to develop, making this spring crucial for their progress.

Jackson saw 167 snaps last season, while Curry had 162, an increase from their playing time in 2022. Although it may not have seemed like they had enough playing time, it was an improvement from the previous year. With a strong spring, their playing time could and should increase further, but only if they can make an impact on the field.

Ohio State sometimes struggled last year when Tuimoloau or Sawyer were off the field, highlighting the need for Curry and Jackson to step up as impact players this year. They must make a difference during spring practice, as they did last year. Jackson stood out in spring practices last year, and Curry also performed well.

However, it’s also essential for defensive line coach Larry Johnson to involve them early in the season to build their confidence through in-game experience. Both Jackson and Curry have the potential to be game-changers for Ohio State this season, but it all starts for them on Tuesday

Linebacker, C.J. Hicks

Since arriving on campus as a highly-touted five-star recruit and the No. 1 linebacker prospect in the 2022 class, there has been a clamor to see more of Hicks. Despite his talent, the Dayton native played fewer than 100 snaps on defense last season, largely due to being behind Tommy Eichenberg, Steele Chambers, and Cody Simon in the linebacker rotation, which made sense given the team’s two-linebacker system.

Now, it’s Hicks’s time to step into a starting role, likely alongside Simon. Even if Ohio State decides to move Sonny Styles to linebacker, which is a possibility albeit possibly in a hybrid role, Hicks is expected to see significant playing time this season.

This spring presents an opportunity for Hicks to solidify himself as the No. 2 linebacker and dispel any doubts about his readiness. If he aims to become a mainstay in the lineup, now is the time to demonstrate his ability to consistently contribute against both the run and pass.

While Ohio State believes in Hicks’s potential, the key is translating that potential into on-field performance. While his talent is undeniable, the main question revolves around his experience.

If Hicks lives up to expectations, Ohio State’s largest defensive uncertainty, the linebacker position, could become a strength.

Cornerback, Jermaine Mathews Jr.

I believe Mathews has the potential to become a standout player at Ohio State.

During his freshman year, he showed promise by making an impact in significant games, such as against Penn State, despite playing just 183 snaps. Mathews quickly adapted to the college level and displayed fearlessness as a competitor from the outset, earning recognition as one of the top defensive freshmen in spring practices.

His strong performance in fall camp enabled him to surpass Jyaire Brown on the depth chart, establishing himself as the primary backup to outside corners Davison Igbinosun and Denzel Burke. However, this success has presented a challenge for coach Tim Walton in determining Mathews’ role given the depth at the cornerback position.

While I expect Mathews to excel this spring, I’m more intrigued by how Ohio State plans to utilize him moving forward. I envision scenarios where Mathews could feature in a Dime package alongside the team’s other top cornerbacks, potentially amplifying the defensive effectiveness as seen in the Cotton Bowl.

It’s possible that Mathews continues to develop and earns playing time in specific situations, gradually evolving into a starter in the following seasons alongside Ohio State’s talented cornerbacks. Regardless, Mathews undeniably possesses immense potential, and this spring serves as an opportunity for him to further showcase his abilities and solidify his future with the Buckeyes.

Safety Malik Hartford

Hartford quickly caught the attention of Jim Knowles and the Ohio State coaching staff with his immediate impact as a young defensive back.

Although it came as a surprise to some, Hartford’s start against Youngstown State showcased his potential, which had been evident even before that game.

As Hartford enters his sophomore season, there is anticipation surrounding how he will build on his freshman campaign. Despite playing 148 defensive snaps and recording five tackles and two pass breakups, he displayed promise, albeit with occasional rookie lapses.

This offseason presents an opportune moment for Hartford’s development. With the addition of freshman All-American Caleb Downs and the return of Lathan Ransom for his fifth year, the pressure on Hartford entering the spring is somewhat alleviated. He is not necessarily expected to step into a starting role immediately, allowing him to gain valuable experience and contribute crucial depth to the position, which often contends with injuries.

While Hartford is poised to see the field and play significant snaps in 2024, this spring is pivotal in gauging his response and continued growth. Maintaining the competitive edge and sense of urgency that characterized his early impression will be essential, even as he adjusts to a potentially lesser immediate role. Ohio State benefits from this situation as it prioritizes Hartford’s development while ensuring he remains on track for future contributions.

Defensive tackle Kayden McDonald

We’re spotlighting several young players today, and when it comes to the interior defensive line, there are a number of intriguing options. Hero Kanu appears poised to step into the third defensive tackle role, while Tywone Malone is another player to watch closely this spring. However, McDonald is a player I’m particularly eager to see more of.

Despite being a freshman last season, McDonald showed promise in his limited playing time, logging 35 defensive snaps. He also impressed during camp, displaying flashes of potential that suggest he could provide valuable depth at a position where depth is crucial.

Given Ohio State’s unlikely scenario of deploying a five-man rotation at defensive tackle this season, McDonald will need a standout spring to vie for playing time. The competition is stiff, with Kanu and Malone in the mix, but Ohio State coaches already hold high expectations for McDonald. If he can make significant strides and carve out a role this spring, it could signal a bright future ahead for him.