Next Man Up: How Buckeyes can replace pair of departed defensive tackles
Ohio State went 11-2 and went to the College Football Playoff last season with a loaded roster. Some of the key players from that Buckeyes team moved onto the NFL. Who could step in to make plays similar to what the former Buckeyes made last season? Lettermen Row is breaking down who is next in line to be a playmaker. Next up: How the Buckeyes can replace Taron Vincent and Jerron Cage at defensive tackle.
COLUMBUS — Ohio State didn’t necessarily need to be aggressive along the defensive line in the transfer portal market.
But the opportunity presented itself for the Buckeyes, and they took full advantage of the situation, adding former Ole Miss defensive tackle Tywone Malone to the program that already has high expectations for that unit in the upcoming season.
Yes, the top three defensive tackles will lead the way. But after losing Jerron Cage and Taron Vincent to the NFL, the depth just wasn’t exactly where Ohio State wanted it to be prior to adding Malone.
Still, the Buckeyes liked what they saw from their interior defensive line in spring ball, and they expect to see a high level of play, especially with the addition of Malone, in the months leading up to camp.
“You need them to flash,” Ohio State coach Ryan Day said in spring practice. “You need to make plays, to get off the blocks. And consistency over a whole spring. I think that’s one of the things about playing in the [defensive] line that’s probably not talked about enough is this sustaining a certain level of play for an extended period of time. Play 7, 8, 9 of the drive, playing into the fourth quarter.
“You want to see the ability of guys to make plays and flashing. That’s great. But can you consistently put days back to back and you can consistently put plays back to back over time? And that’s what we need. We need to see that consistency.”
Ohio State has both the top-tier talent and depth to have an elite defensive tackle rotation this fall, despite losing two veterans from a year ago. Lettermen Row is breaking down who could step up and challenge for the starting spot or become a key member of the two-deep. Who will it be for Ohio State? Let’s dive in.
Ohio State options
Mike Hall: He showed All-American glimpses at times last season. But in the middle of an impressive campaign, Mike Hall caught the injury bug. It seemed to be the only thing that could slow him down, because once he was healthy again in the spring, Hall dominated the Ohio State offensive line in March and April. He’ll be a major force for the Buckeyes this fall. If healthy, he’ll make a case to become a first-round pick next spring.
Ty Hamilton: After being a rotational defensive lineman for a couple of seasons, Ty Hamilton stepped in and started the final five games of the year for Ohio State last fall. Hamilton had an impressive Peach Bowl semifinal in the College Football Playoff, totaling five pressures and three tackles, his best performance of the year. He carried that momentum into spring ball, when he stepped into a major leadership role as a veteran. Expect to see a lot of No. 58 plugging gaps for Ohio State in the coming months.
Tyleik Williams: Two years ago, a former top-150 defensive tackle prospect burst onto the scene with an impressive freshman year, especially in September. But as that season went on, Tyleik Williams production slowly declined, showing the wear of a year on a freshman. Last season was the same story, as Williams started strong and finished with a decline in production. Can he sustain a high level of play for 13 or more games? If so, he’ll elevate this defensive line from good to great.
Tywone Malone: This was one of the biggest wins for Ohio State in the transfer portal market following spring practice. Former Ole Miss defensive tackle Tywone Malone chose the Buckeyes just two years after cutting them out of his recruitment and heading for Oxford. Malone gives Ohio State another depth piece on the interior and should boost a unit that needed another playmaker to go along with its top three.
Hero Kanu: Last year was a developmental year for Hero Kanu, a learning experience as a true freshman. Now in his second summer on campus, Kanu can begin to push to become a part of the rotation. He flashed some of his potential in spring practice. Can he crack a rotation that is suddenly deeper with the addition of Tywone Malone? He’ll need a big next few months to do so.
Jaden McKenzie: The fifth-year senior defensive tackle hasn’t been able to stay healthy for nearly his entire Ohio State career. There’s still one season left for Jaden McKenzie to become a part of the defensive line equation.
Jason Moore and Kayden McDonald: Both true freshmen arrived on campus this summer and will have an uphill climb to get on the field come fall. But Jason Moore and Kayden McDonald are both talented enough to surprise and find a role early in their careers. Tyleik Williams did it in 2021. Could either of the newcomers be next?
The pick: Committee approach
It’s nearly impossible to pick just one Buckeyes defensive tackle to replace two veterans who earned a lot of snaps in the last few seasons. That’s why Lettermen Row is going with a committee approach here, especially given the track record of what Larry Johnson always chooses to do with his interior linemen.
Of course, Hall, Williams and Hamilton are expected to earn a bulk of the snaps. They’re too talented of a trio not to be on the field. But the addition of Malone and potential emergence of a fifth tackle gives Ohio State plenty to work with. Expect this unit to gain steam in training camp and create havoc this fall.
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