Ohio State’s defense is expected to be elite this season. But not much could be gleaned from the first day of training camp because the Buckeyes were not in pads.
They used two outdoor fields in front of spectators who paid $50 to watch and mixed and matched personnel. As a result, it would be a mistake to read too much into first- and second-team configurations. Sonny Styles did see more time alongside Cody Simon than C.J. Hicks did in team or 7-on-7 work.
The other defensive starters were as expected. Jack Sawyer and J.T. Tuimoloau were the starting defensive ends. Tyleik Williams and Ty Hamilton were at defensive tackle.
More on Ohio State’s training camp: Instant observations on Ohio State football offense from opening of preseason camp
Davison Igbinosun and Denzel Burke were at cornerback with Caleb Downs and Lathan Ransom at safety.
But backups made most of the notable plays at practice.
Cornerback Diante Griffin, Archie’s grandson, intercepted a pass from freshman Air Noland. Safety Ryan Rudzinski had an interception thrown by Lincoln Kienholz.
Linebacker Joey Velazquez, a DeSales grad who transferred from Michigan, had a nice scoop-and-score when he stripped the ball from tight end Jace Middleton.
Igbinosun had a chance for an interception but the ball bounced off his hands and chest.
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This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Observations of Ohio State’s defense from first day of training camp
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/bill-rabinowitz-defensive-observations-osu-153938128.html
Author : The Columbus Dispatch
Publish date : 2024-08-01 15:39:38
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