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Will Smith Jr. Overcoming Adversity to Step Up As Second Nose Guard Option for Buckeyes

All offseason, a main talking point among talking heads (this head included) has been Ohio State’s lack of options at nose guard behind Kayden McDonald.

But with uncertainty swirling about the Buckeyes’ starters at quarterback, safety and on the offensive line, a second nose guard separated from the pack in the summer and first two weeks of fall camp: Will Smith Jr. On Thursday, he confirmed he’s been working exclusively at nose. Earlier in the week, backup center Joshua Padilla was the latest to note Smith and McDonald as the Buckeyes’ top noses.

“Will has taken great strides compared to last year,” Padilla said.