Al Washington, a little over a year ago, inherited what so many outside Ohio State’s football program believed to be a mess.
Three linebackers – Malik Harrison, Tuf Borland and Pete Werner – returned as starters from a Greg Schiano-led defense that had allowed more than 400 yards and 25 points per game in 2018. Under Billy Davis, the second-level unit consistently struggled. So when Ryan Day turned to Washington to lead the position group, the turnover led to questions of whether the fresh eyes would lead to a new crop of linebackers taking their turn in the spotlight.