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COLUMBUS, Ohio – A social media post posted Monday night is the most official word yet that the Ohio State Football Linebacker Corps has two new members.
Former running back Steele Chambers and USC transfer Palaie Gaoteote have been included in a series of photos of a linebacker rally posted by the OSU football Twitter account.
Gaoteote has been listed in the OSU student directory for a few weeks but has not made an announcement on his transfer destination or been confirmed as a member by the team. Lettermen Row reported on Monday that the former five-star prospect still had to go through the NCAA waiver process to be eligible to play this fall.
The NCAA first approved immediate eligibility for transfers in April, as long as this player left his previous academically eligible school, notified his school of the transfer by July 1, and certified in writing that he hadn’t had any contact with his new school before entering. the transfer portal. The new school – the state of Ohio in this case – might also have its own academic or compliance issues that need to be addressed before a transfer is official.
Gaoteote was the highest rated linebacker in the 2018 class according to the 247Sports National Composite. He recorded 105 tackles (7.5 for the loss) and two sacks during three years of tainted injury at USC.
Chambers’ potential move to linebacker has long been rumored. However, he remained a running back in all appearances thanks to spring practice. OSU running backs coach Tony Alford dismissed the speculation on March 23, saying he had not discussed it with Chambers’ family or coach Ryan Day.
Still, Chambers was seen working with linebackers at one of OSU’s day camps last month.
The 6-1, 220-pound Chambers averaged 7.89 yards on 21 carries in his first two seasons. However, the abundance of backstroke depth ensured that someone would be left out. Whether Chambers has a more direct route to linebacker playing time remains to be seen, although an adjustment to hybrid ball position may make the most sense.
All three of the 2020 Ohio State starters – Pete Werner, Tuf Borland and Baron Browning – and top reserve Justin Hilliard have all moved on to professional opportunities. This left the door open for a handful of veterans and unconfirmed young players to step up and rebuild the body.
However, the Buckeyes also ended the spring unsure of their depth. Mitchell Melton suffered a “long-term injury” in the spring and senior Dallas Gant and rookie Kourt Williams – an expected safety to play Bullet – were also limited.
Fields Bears Jersey: Ohio State football fans can purchase Justin Fields’ new Chicago Bears jersey here. It’s available in white, blue and orange – and in men’s, women’s and youth sizes. There is also a cheaper t-shirt option.
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