Lessons Learned as Jim Knowles talks nickel position, depth chart mobility

COLUMBUS — Ohio State defensive graduate assistant James Laurinaitis is the Buckeyes’ assistant linebackers coach. But he offers more insight than his job title might suggest.

A program legend, Laurinaitis was a three-time consensus All-American (2006-08), a two-time Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year and a three-time All-Big Ten first-team honoree at Ohio State, where he played in two national title games before launching his eight-year NFL career.

Laurinaitis’ expertise in the second level has instantly helped second-year defensive coordinator and linebackers coach Jim Knowles focus on the big picture.

“I mean that’s a pro, that’s an All-American,” Knowles said of Laurinaitis Tuesday. “He’s level headed. It allows me to do a lot more, in terms of the defense and other positions and spend more time being creative.”

Knowles added: “And, plus, he’s a really nice guy so we can play good cop, bad cop with the linebackers. He’s a really nice guy. I’m not so nice.”

Knowles isn’t being paid handsomely to be nice. He was brought to Ohio State to rebuild the Buckeyes’ defense to championship level. On the biggest of stages last season, his unit didn’t look the part.

That’s why taking a reflective, wide-angle view this offseason has been all the more important for Knowles, who spoke with the media Tuesday after the Buckeyes’ sixth spring practice.

Buckeyes are building depth at nickel position with corners

Knowles wants the nickel position in his 4-2-5 system to be filled by a cornerback this season. Last year, it was mostly manned by safety and now-NFL hopeful Tanner McCalister. In Knowles’ eyes, the position doesn’t have to be occupied by a hard-nosed run defender. In fact, he is more concerned with the nickel’s coverage ability, hence why he’s looking for the Buckeyes’ third-best cover corner to take on the role. Additionally, playing corners at the position gives Ohio State more nickel depth. It also provides the Buckeyes’ corners a greater opportunity to get reps, Knowles noted.

Knowles said anyone who is a “second or third corner” right now, such as second years Jyaire Brown or Ryan Turner, is in play for the nickel position. At the moment, however, Cam Martinez is leading the pack. Martinez is listed as a safety but looks like a corner at 5-foot-10, 190 pounds. He has the athleticism that Knowles is looking for, too. Knowles shouted out Martinez’s “great feet” and said that, for the fourth-year defensive back, it really comes down to confidence.

Martinez was getting the bulk of first-team reps at nickel during last weekend’s scrimmage, but Syracuse transfer Ja’Had Carter is in the mix. Knowles said that Carter is going to have “a continued role at all three safety positions.” Knowles discussed how coachable Carter has been since arriving at Ohio State. He said the same goes for Ole Miss transfer Davison Igbinosun, who started 10 games at corner as a true freshman for the Rebels last season — there is no entitlement, only positivity, Knowles said.

To break through, young players have to ‘kick ass with the twos first’

Knowles was asked about the potential roster bind that was created at Ohio State when he brought over his two-linebacker scheme, given that the Buckeyes were recruiting for and playing with three linebackers before his hiring. Knowles said that the transition has simply created more competition among the position group, and the results speaks for themselves. He pointed to the numbers that Tommy Eichenberg and Steele Chambers put up in 2022 and said that Cody Simon, the team’s No. 3 linebacker last season, is having a great spring.

So how do young players earn playing time in Knowles’ system, particularly in a log jammed room?

“You gotta kick ass with the twos first,” Knowles said.

Once that’s accomplished, Knowles said it’s up to him and his staff to create opportunities for the player at hand. He clarified that it’s not just a ones and twos deal, either. Knowles wants that to be the standard across his defensive depth chart. But that’s how he said the conversation goes with players who are yearning for more first-team reps.

One of those players who is pushing for those reps in a crowded room is second-year linebacker Gabe Powers, who broke up a pair of passes during the red zone pass period of Saturday’s practice. Knowles said that Powers is earning respect from his teammates and that he has high expectations for the Marysville native.

Jack Sawyer is improving every day; the ‘JACK’ is on hold for Mitch Melton, C.J. Hicks

Playing Jack Sawyer at the “JACK” — Knowles’ stand-up, hybrid linebacker/defensive end position — didn’t go as planned last year. Although Sawyer was productive while flip-flopping between the JACK and defensive end, he didn’t experience the second-year breakout Ohio State fans were hoping for. Knowles, defensive line coach Larry Johnson and Sawyer made a change this offseason: Sawyer’s hand is back in the dirt full-time. And, by all accounts, it’s going well.

Knowles said that Sawyer is getting better every day and has been able to focus on harnessing his fundamentals with Johnson. Knowles is confident in the defensive end pairing of Sawyer and J.T. Tuimoloau.

As for the JACK, Knowles is still bringing that back later this offseason. He said he’s targeting Mitchell Melton — who he was high on last year before Melton suffered his second straight season-ending injury — as well as fellow linebacker C.J. Hicks for that hybrid, pass rushing-friendly role. Knowles said that if he can get Hicks to “attack” more than “read,” the 6-foot-3, 225-pound ‘backer could be “a real threat” at the JACK.

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