Eric Boggs
The Ohio State Buckeyes have a long history of producing elite talent, and it looks like another young phenom is making waves before even stepping onto the field. Incoming freshman cornerback Devin Sanchez is quickly becoming the hottest topic in Columbus, thanks to a remarkable transformation in just two months under the guidance of Ohio State’s revered strength and conditioning coach, Mickey Marotti.
Coach Marotti, affectionately known as “Coach Mick,” has long been credited with turning already talented athletes into physically dominant forces. His training program has become legendary, molding Buckeyes into NFL-ready players year after year. If you need proof, just look at how Ohio State players compare physically to their opponents—there’s a reason Buckeye Nation holds Marotti in such high regard.
Sanchez, a five-star recruit out of Texas, arrived in Columbus at approximately 179 pounds. According to reports, in just two months under Marotti’s program, he has packed on 16 to 17 pounds of muscle, bringing his weight close to 197 pounds. This isn’t the result of fast food binges or casual gym sessions—it’s the product of an elite training regimen designed to maximize strength, speed, and endurance.
Sanchez’s rapid development has fueled speculation that he could make an immediate impact in his freshman season. With the departure of star cornerback Denzel Burke to the NFL, there is an open competition for starting spots in the Buckeyes’ secondary. Returning players like Davison Igbinosun, Jermaine Matthews Jr., Aaron Scott Jr., and Bryce West are all in the mix, but Sanchez has positioned himself as a serious contender.
It’s no secret that true freshmen rarely earn starting roles at Ohio State. The program’s depth and high standards mean that only a select few—players like Maurice Clarett, Orlando Pace, and Jeremiah Smith —have managed to step in and shine from day one. But whispers around the program suggest that Sanchez might just be the next name added to that elite list.
At 6-foot-2 and approaching 200 pounds, Sanchez possesses the ideal frame for a top-tier cornerback. He’s got the length, the speed, and now the muscle to go toe-to-toe with the best receivers in college football. If his physical development is any indication of his work ethic and determination, Buckeye fans should be excited about what’s to come.
The comparison to last year’s freshman sensation, wide receiver Jeremiah Smith, is already being made. Smith’s instant impact on the offensive side of the ball was historic, and now the buzz is building that Sanchez could be the defensive counterpart. However, it’s a tall order to place those expectations on any incoming freshman, especially at a program where competition is fierce and earning playing time is a battle in itself.
At Ohio State, starting positions aren’t handed out based on recruiting rankings or high school accolades. They must be earned through relentless work, competition, and performance on the practice field. Sanchez’s weight room transformation is the first sign that he is more than willing to put in the work necessary to get there.
For Buckeye fans, the anticipation is growing. Spring practices and fall camp will provide more insight into just how close Sanchez is to seeing significant playing time in year one. If his early progress is any indication, the Buckeyes might have landed their next lockdown cornerback.
One thing is for sure—Devin Sanchez isn’t in Columbus to sit on the sidelines. He’s here to compete, and he’s already proving that he belongs.
