Preview Continued - Defensive Line and Defensive coaching
OSU's defense, outstanding in 2016, showed a crack here and there (re:Iowa) in 2017, and then abandoned all hope in 2018, as they were repeatedly gashed for big plays in nearly every game. They did not appear fundamentally sound in defending the whole field nor did they look comfortable understanding what the offense was trying to do. They were a mess, to be honest, and it cost them a playoff appearance.
Unlike the offensive staff, Ryan Day made big changes to the defensive staff. Obviously, Day made waves by bringing in Greg Mattison and Al Washington from Michigan, but he also brought in Jeff Hafley from the 49ers to help coordinate the defense. Mattison has been coaching defense since I was in grade school. Hafley has bounced around the ranks, mostly coaching defensive backs, and knew Day through Chip Kelly.
What's the new defense going to look like? Probably simpler and much more sound. When Hoke and Mattison took over Michigan in 2011, the defense jumped from 77th in S&P to 21st. Defense was never the issue for those groups, and I'm quite confident this group will not make nearly as many huge mistakes as last year. Otherwise, it probably won't look wildly different. They will play a 4-3, though like Michigan they will utilize a linebacker who is comfortable in coverage (Michigan's "Viper" becomes OSU's "Bullet"). They will likely have more looks in coverage, instead of the steady supply of man defense they went with last year.
Up front, there probably won't be many changes at all. Larry Johnson's defensive line is good and deep. Expect a lot of guys to play.
DE: Chase Young will get the glory and the plays. He's being talked about as a top five draft pick, and the biggest challenge is facing the various blocking schemes designed to stop him. After him, things are a bit up in the air. Jonathan Cooper returns as is the nominal starter opposite Young. However, Tyreke Smith and Tyler Friday should challenge, and all may play if OSU still trots out their four DE "Rushmen" line on passing situations. Javonte Jean-Baptiste and superfrosh Zach Harrison also may get some time.
DT: A very deep position for the Buckeyes. They lost Dremont Jones to the draft, but return eight guys who could all play. Rob Landers and Jashon Cornell are the nominal starters, but expect a heavy rotation involving Taron Vincent, Davon Hamilton, Tommy Togiai, and Haskell Garrett. Jerron Cage and Antwuan Jackson could also earn time.
