Sabino will step into OSU’s starting lineup

Associated Press

COLUMBUS

When it comes to its linebacking corps, Ohio State is hitting .667 in spring ball.

With two of the three starters returning, it isn’t nearly as important for the Buckeyes to find a replacement for the graduated Austin Spitler as it is to find the right fit.

“Really, there’s going to be pretty good competition at the linebacker group,” defensive coordinator Jim Heacock said. “You’ve got the two naturals, you’ve got Ross Homan and Brian Rolle, those are your two linebackers. Now who’s the third-best one?”

The answer to that question so far is junior Etienne Sabino.

Rolle and Homan are back in the fold from last year’s team that captured a fifth straight Big Ten title and went on to win the Rose Bowl. But the absence of Spitler leaves a leadership vacuum plus what he offered in experience.

“Obviously, Austin Spitler must have meant a lot to our guys for them to vote him captain without ever having started a game,” coach Jim Tressel said. “So his leadership will certainly be missed.”

Sabino was a backup who saw action in every game last season.

“He’s the guy. He’s such a young kid. I know he’s going to be a junior but he’s still only 19 years old,” said co-defensive coordinator Luke Fickell. “You’d like to have some more time with him, but he’s coming along.”