If Larry Johnson didn’t have such a stellar reputation, first-year defensive linemen might take more of an issue with his strict guideline determining their lack of extensive playing time.
During his decades of experience coaching, Johnson has seen rough moments during key spots in important games have negative long-term impacts on the careers of freshmen, so he tries not to put them in “harm’s way” and minimizes their playing time. Johnson’s rule doesn’t exist to help Ohio State, but to benefit young, inexperienced freshmen, such as defensive end Tyreke Smith. He wants to protect them from what they don’t know yet.