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COLUMBUS, Ohio – Baron Browning may have taken the lead in the annual bid to be the Ohio State breakout player at the Senior Bowl.
When a reporter took note of Browning’s senior year film earlier this week, Buckeyes linebacker coach Al Washington rushed in to talk about his outgoing starter. Washington has listed all of Browning’s talents, from passer rushing and playing in space to man-to-man cover.
According to Washington’s tweeted opinion, Browning is one of the most versatile linebackers in the 2021 NFL Draft.
Back in Columbus, however, the Buckeyes are still looking for a more versatile long-term answer to Browning’s now vacant position with Sam linebacker. Browning brought athleticism to a more conventional outside linebacker look. While some might sometimes take him for a rusher, no one would take him for a security.
If Ohio State coach Ryan Day remains committed to the single safety approach, the Buckeyes must find this elusive hybrid option to replace Browning. Washington is right that Browning has often played well covering opposing tight ends, and he could bring a downhill mentality to the race defense.
Still, with a defensive roster that keeps one of four defensive backs in the box, this hybrid option has endured since Day took over in 2019. At the time, the Buckeyes attempted to convert safety Brendon White into this. hybrid identity. Turns out linebacker Pete Werner gave OSU most of what he needed in the role in 2019.
Do any of the different Sam 2021 options offer the same promise?
K’Vaughn Pope paid his dues along with the other two linebackers in the signing class of 2018. He built a reputation as a playmaker in practice and flashed it several times in 2019, intercepting two passes. in cleaning time. Pope played slot catcher in high school and demonstrated ball skills.
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With Browning and Justin Hilliard dominating Sam’s snaps last season, there was little left for developing outside linebackers. Craig Young played the second-most shots with 39 according to the Eleven Warriors tracker, but 29 came in a game against Rutgers.
Young showcased his speed as a high school catcher and track champion. The raw materials are in place for the second year to be something beyond a conventional linebacker.
Still, Sam’s most intriguing option this fall is still the one we’ve seen the least as Buckeye.
Kourt Williams positioned himself to contribute immediately as a true rookie. Then this season was completely wiped out by a torn ACL.
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Williams was recruited with a hybrid future in mind. He was also seen practicing as free security last spring. It may be the athlete’s preferred development path that OSU wants Sam, but it’s not like the Buckeyes don’t need some help from the back of the defense.
If Williams can train this spring, he’ll be a player to watch for both his long-term promise and that need for immediate positioning that matches his stills.
The correct answer for the state of Ohio in 2021 could be a combination of these three players. Buckeyes can match based on ranged situations and opposing staff packs.
Given the Buckeyes’ recruiting approach for 2022, the hybrid revolution remains imminent. It could actually happen this fall.
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