The start of fall camp in early August is nearly here for the Ohio State Buckeyes. The Buckeyes lost plenty of talent and fall camp will be critical in getting the new starters and newcomers ready for the season. As with every team around the country, there are some areas of concern for OSU. With fall camp nearly here, it's time to take a look at the five biggest question marks surrounding Ohio State Football.
5. Can Mike Weber Shoulder The Load?
This question mark about running back might have been higher just a few days ago, but the starter at the position has become clear with Bri'onte Dunn getting dismissed from the team. Redshirt freshman Mike Weber is going to be the starter, and there's even more pressure on him now to perform with Dunn gone. But the depth is a bit thin behind Weber. There's Curtis Samuel, who can play some RB, but could stick at WR in the Jalin Marshall/Percy Harvin role. True freshman Antonio Williams has plenty of potential, but is still raw. The depth is thin at RB, and the Buckeyes are counting on the gifted Weber to do his best Ezekiel Elliott impression.
4. Who Are The Weapons At Wide Out?
Michael Thomas, Braxton Miller and Jalin Marshall are all gone. Samuel/Wilson should occupy one WR slot, but the other two are up for grabs. Noah Brown and Corey Smith are expected to take the next step and assume a starting role, but they are unproven with just 26 career catches between the two. They'll be pushed in camp, likely be true freshman Austin Mack, redshirt freshman Torrance Gibson and redshirt sophomore Johnnie Dixon. The Buckeyes have limited experience at the position and although there's talent, getting everyone on the same page with QB J.T. Barrett will be key.
3. Who Steps Up In The Secondary?
Three starters (Eli Apple, Tyvis Powell and Vonn Bell) are gone, leaving a big hole in the OSU secondary. Gareon Conley is the clear No. 1 corner on the team now. Marshon Lattimore and Denzel Ward will likely battle for spot across from Conley. As with many of the question marks, the potential is there but the experience is now. At safety, Malik Hooker is locked in for a starting spot. After an impressive spring game performance, there should be confidence around Hooker. The other safety spot is wide open. Damon Webb (who is switching from corner) will compete with Cam Burrows.
2. What Happens On The Defensive Line?
Joey Bosa is the big name gone, but the major question might be at defensive tackle. The Buckeyes still have Tyquan Lewis and ready-for-a-breakout Sam Hubbard. There's also Bosa's younger brother Nick Bosa and depth with players like Jalyn Holmes. But the defensive tackle position loses it's top three players in Adolphus Washington, Tommy Schutt and Joel Hill. Michael Hill, who saw some playing time last season, is the likely starter at one spot. Tracy Sprinkle is the favorite for the other starting gig, but there could be a drop-off in production this year.
1. Which, If Any, True Freshman Play Big Roles?
We've already mentioned true freshmen like Mack, Williams and Bosa. But there's also offensive guard Michael Jordan, who could very well earn a starting spot. Players like DE Jonathan Cooper, LB Tuf Boland, DB Jordan Fuller and even QB Dwayne Haskins could end up being backups. There also plenty of redshirt freshmen (like Weber) will play critical roles. The Buckeyes lost a ton of talent and will likely have to lean on at least a few true freshmen this year. That's not ideal, but it's the situation Ohio State is in. How those freshmen play will be key in determining how the Buckeyes fare this season.