Eric Boggs
Ohio State’s 2024 linebacking corps is shaping up to be one of the most fearsome units in the nation, thanks to the relentless competition between two rising stars, Sonny Styles and C.J. Hicks. As these two young athletes push each other to new heights, they’re not just competing for a starting spot—they’re forging a bond that could make them one of the most dynamic and violent duos in college football.
Sonny Styles’ transition from safety to Will linebacker has been a rapid ascent, surprising even the most seasoned Buckeyes fans. In just a few months, he’s gone from a relative newcomer at linebacker to a disruptive force in Ohio State’s backfield. His football IQ, combined with his drive to excel and natural athleticism, has made him a vital piece of the Buckeyes’ defensive puzzle.
“Will is not an easy position to play at all,” said Cody Simon, Ohio State’s starting Mike linebacker. “And I mean, he’s doing really well.”
Styles is still technically competing with C.J. Hicks for the starting role at Will, but the competition has only made both players better. As the saying goes, iron sharpens iron, and this friendly rivalry is pushing each of them to reach their full potential.
“Sonny wants to be great, so he wants to understand,” said linebackers coach James Laurinaitis. “He doesn’t just ask what he’s supposed to do; he wants to know why.”
In the early fall practices, Styles has taken the majority of first-team reps at Will linebacker, suggesting he’s the frontrunner. However, the real story here isn’t about who starts—it’s about how these two could become a formidable tag team, wreaking havoc on opposing offenses.
Styles’ background as a safety has given him a unique perspective on the defense, allowing him to excel in pass coverage and understand the entire field. His confidence in covering tight ends and running backs is evident, and he feels that his speed and strength give him a clear advantage.
“It definitely fits me pretty well,” Styles said. “I didn’t really like guarding a bunch of guys who are running 4.3s. But yeah, no disrespect to tight ends—there are some good ones out there. But I feel like I’m gonna be able to run probably faster than them or just as fast and be just as strong.”
The physicality of the linebacker position has also appealed to Styles, who has bulked up to around 240 pounds while maintaining his speed and agility. He’s ready to bring the hammer down on anyone who crosses his path.
“I gained about 10 pounds and I actually got faster,” Styles said. “My max speed went up. So I got faster, I got stronger, and I got heavier.”
But while Styles is honing his skills, C.J. Hicks is making his mark as a blitzing specialist. Known for his explosive power and violent hands, Hicks has become a disruptive force in practice, earning praise from coaches and teammates alike.
“I feel like when we need a play, when it’s 3rd-and-long and we need somebody to get to the quarterback, I’m that guy,” Hicks said. “No matter who the D-ends are. I love our D-linemen, but I feel like I’m the best one at getting to the quarterback.”
Hicks’ confidence is a result of his growth over the past three years in Jim Knowles’ defensive system. After a slow start to his Buckeye career, he’s now playing with the aggression and confidence that made him a five-star recruit.
“This year, I don’t care. I just go,” Hicks said. “If I mess up, I mess up. I’m going to talk to Coach Knowles and get back on it. But for my trigger, that’s the main thing he talks about to the whole defense. Don’t hesitate.”
Hicks and Styles may be competing for the same starting spot, but their partnership could be the key to Ohio State’s defensive success. Laurinaitis has emphasized that both players will see significant playing time, rotating in and out to keep the pressure on opposing offenses. This rotation could create a fearsome tag team—a double dragon—that opponents will struggle to contain.
“Sonny and I both talk about it a lot,” Hicks said. “We don’t really care who starts as long as both of us are eating. He can start, I go in; I start, he goes in. As long as we’re both making plays, that’s all that matters to us.”
With their unique skills and shared commitment to excellence, Styles and Hicks have the potential to become one of the most lethal linebacker duos in college football. As they continue to sharpen each other, Ohio State fans can look forward to watching these two “dragons” unleash their full fury on the gridiron, creating a legacy that could define the Buckeyes’ 2024 season.
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