Last year was a forgettable year for the Ohio State Buckeyes’ defense, which led to serious staff turnover. The only coach on the defensive staff who was retained is Larry Johnson, who would be the first to tell you he and his unit did not meet their usual lofty expectations. With returning experience in place and young emerging stars on the rise, expectations for the defensive line should be high.
With Jim Knowles now in charge as the defensive coordinator, Johnson will have help with Knowles’ philosophy and structure in place. This position group will be led by seniors in former five-stars Taron Vincent and Zach Harrison, but the success will likely depend on how big of a step Jack Sawyer, J.