Friday, April 22, 2011
ASSOCIATED PRESS
Photo
FILE - In this March 31, 2011 file photo, Ohio State defensive coach Jim Haycock, left, runs with a group of defensive players during the first day of NCAA college football practice in Columbus, Ohio. Even though most of the starters from a year ago have graduated, one of the biggest surprises at Ohio State this spring is the effectiveness of the Buckeyes defense. (AP Photo/Terry Gilliam)
Associated Press
COLUMBUS
Ohio State’s offense hasn’t had a great spring.
How much of that is the doing of the defense?
One thing’s for certain: The Buckeyes on the other side of the ball believe the defense is for real.
“Definitely there’s stuff we could get better at,” tight end Jake Stoneburner said of the offense, which has had a so-so spring because of injuries and a shortage of linemen. “But also, we’re going against one of the best defenses around. They know what they’re doing over there, they’re known for having great defense. So if we have an awful day, it’s our fault but you also have to look at who we’re going against.”
The thing is, this isn’t supposed to be a vintage year for the defense. The unit was devastated by graduation, losing starting linemen Cameron Heyward and Dexter Larimore, linebackers Ross Homan and Brian Rolle, and four mainstays in the secondary in corners Chimdi Chekwa and Devon Torrence, safety Aaron Gant and Jermale Hines.
But instead of limping along, the unit has been terrific most of the spring.
Defensive end John Simon said it’s all in the attitude.
“A lot of people go through spring ball and figure they won’t work hard — ‘We’re just here to practice’ or whatever,” said the Cardinal Mooney High graduate. “But this team, we really get excited every day.”
Holdover Nathan Williams teams with Simon at the ends, with Garrett Goebel, Darryl Baldwin and freshman Joel Hale fighting for the one tackle spot. At nose tackle, a slimmed-down Johnathan Hankins — if you can be slimmed down at 6-foot-3 and 335 pounds — has been a terror. Melvin Fellows and Solomon Thomas are also battling for playing time up front, although Thomas must sit out the first five games as part of NCAA sanctions for accepting improper benefits.
Williams knows what needs to be done.
“We’re depending on the younger guys to fill in. We’ve lost seven starters so they have to step up and play for us,” he said.
Andrew Sweat, the lone returning starter at linebacker, will likely be joined by Etienne Sabino and Storm Klein, with Dorian Bell and Jordan Whiting backing them up.
Similarly, the one returnee in the backfield is Orhian Johnson, who had a fine year at free safety. Bradley Roby and Dominic Clarke are battling for one cornerback spot opposite Travis Howard and Dionte Allen. Christian Bryant, who saw some action a year ago as a freshman at the star position, will duel with Tyler Moeller, who was a starter before a torn chest muscle ended his season. Nate Oliver and Jamie Wood, along with a freshman or two, will probably add some insurance in the secondary.
“[We’re] extremely fired up. We were having a good time,” Simon said. “That’s the way defense should be — just let loose and have fun.”