Eric Boggs
Yesterday marked the second day of Ohio State’s training camp at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center in Columbus, Ohio, and the excitement and expectations for the Buckeyes’ 2024 season were palpable. The day included the presence of NFL scouts from multiple teams, underscoring the high-profile nature of Ohio State’s program.
Defensive Notes
With nine returning starters and a superstar transfer in Caleb Downs, the defense is gearing up to be a formidable force under the guidance of defensive coordinator Jim Knowles.
Knowles, addressing the media for the first time in fall camp, emphasized a more aggressive and unpredictable defense for the upcoming season. “We need to be more aggressive in terms of the calls,” Knowles stated, highlighting the need for more blitzes and improved disguise in defensive schemes. This shift aims to build on last year’s strong performance, where the Buckeyes finished top three in scoring, total, and passing defense.
A focal point of the defense is the competition at Will linebacker between Sonny Styles and C.J. Hicks. Knowles described the race as “neck-and-neck,” indicating that both players are equally impressive and could see significant playing time. Caleb Downs, the new safety, has also garnered high praise, with Knowles calling him a “coach’s dream” due to his intelligence and skill on the field.
Despite last season’s success, Knowles acknowledged areas for improvement. “Being a Silver Bullet defense means being a top-five defense. We were top five in a lot of things – but not all of them,” he remarked, pointing out the need for more aggressive play-calling and reducing predictability to prevent big plays, as seen in the Cotton Bowl against Missouri.
In addition to linebacker competition, the Buckeyes’ depth at various positions was discussed. Knowles expressed concern about depth behind Jordan Hancock at nickel but was optimistic about the defensive tackle rotation, praising players like Hero Kanu, Kayden McDonald, and Caden Curry. He also mentioned the versatility of Mitchell Melton, who has shown potential despite battling injuries.
Styles’ transition from safety to linebacker has been smooth, according to Knowles. “You always expect some kind of initial dropoff or learning curve, but I think Sonny has been at the top of the learning curve since the time he started,” he said. Similarly, Gabe Powers is being groomed to back up Cody Simon at Mike linebacker, showcasing the depth and talent within the linebacker corps.
Redshirt freshman cornerback Calvin Simpson-Hunt was a standout in the secondary, providing tight coverage and breaking up several passes. His performance, along with that of other young defensive backs, underscores the team’s depth and potential.
Offensive Notes
On the offensive side, quarterback Will Howard had a standout practice, displaying improved accuracy and decision-making. Howard’s performance included several deep completions, highlighting his potential as a leader for the offense. Devin Brown and true freshman Julian Sayin also impressed with their passing abilities, adding depth and competition to the quarterback position.
The return of Carson Hinzman, who missed the first day of camp due to illness, brought stability to the offensive line. The Buckeyes used split offensive lines, experimenting with different combinations to find the best fit for the season.
Special Teams Notes
Freshman punter Nick McLarty showcased his powerful leg, impressing with long punts during practice.
As the Buckeyes continue their preparation for the 2024 season, the focus remains on refining their aggressive defensive strategies and solidifying depth across the roster. The competition at key positions and the promising performances from both veteran players and newcomers suggest that Ohio State is poised for another successful season. Fans have every reason to be excited about the potential and prospects of their team.
