2023 Ohio State football defensive line spring practice preview

On Feb 28, 2023

Nov 5, 2022; Evanston, Illinois, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes defensive line coach Larry Johnson takes the field prior to the NCAA football game against the Northwestern Wildcats at Ryan Field. Mandatory Credit: Adam Cairns-The Columbus Dispatch

Editor’s note: In advance of spring practice at Ohio State, The Dispatch is previewing each of the Buckeyes’ position groups. Previously: Quarterback, running back, wide receiver, tight end and offensive line. Today: Defensive line.

Ohio State’s defensive line is without much proven depth.

Only five of the Buckeyes’ returners played more than 100 snaps last season, a limited level of experience in the trenches that makes spring practice an important stage for the group.

Sep 17, 2022; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes defensive end J.T. Tuimoloau (44) celebrates a tackle during the first half of the NCAA Division I football game against the Toledo Rockets at Ohio Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Adam Cairns-The Columbus Dispatch

The Buckeyes need contributors for their “Rushmen” package, their traditional rotation of defensive linemen. The preference of defensive line coach Larry Johnson is to use depth at the position in order for them to move at full speed and avoid fatigue at critical moments.

“We substitute guys,” Johnson said, “because I want them to play fresh. I try not to do it in tough situations, but I do trust my players. That’s what you build. Guys think there’s accountability, not just the guys who are starting, but the guys in the second group have to be pretty good, too.”

The second group is what the Buckeyes are to begin sorting out, the rotation behind ends J.T. Tuimoloau and Jack Sawyer, as well as tackles Mike Hall, Ty Hamilton and Tyleik Williams.

There’s plenty of reason for optimism at the top of the depth chart, especially with Tuimoloau, who broke out as a sophomore last fall and could make another leap as the program’s next star pass rusher.

Scholarship count

14: Jaden McKenzie, Ty Hamilton, Sawyer, Tuimoloau, Tyleik Williams, Mike Hall, Curry, Omari Abor, Kenyatta Jackson, Hero Kanu, Kayden McDonald, Joshua Mickens, Jason Moore, Will Smith Jr.

More:Ohio State football scholarship picture: How the Buckeyes project by position for 2023

Player to watch

Sawyer spent much of his sophomore season lining up at the “Jack” position, the hybrid defensive end-linebacker spot in Jim Knowles’ scheme, but could he move back to a traditional role as an end with the losses of Zach Harrison and Javontae Jean-Baptiste? It’s possible, Johnson acknowledged earlier this month. Johnson said the staff’s plan is for Sawyer to dedicate himself to one spot rather than focus on two roles. “Just try to get him a home and let him go play,” Johnson said.

Coach comment

“Every year it’s the same question, and every year, I’m still here. That should answer all of your questions, so you never have to ask me that. … I’m glad I’m here and the purpose I’m here. It’s all the same reason.” — Johnson on the potential of retirement.

Key stat

4.5: Team-leading sacks by Hall and Sawyer last fall, the fewest in a full-length season since defensive lineman Nathan Williams also led the Buckeyes with 4.5 sacks in 2010.

Final outlook

The Buckeyes loaded up at defensive line during the 2022 recruiting cycle, signing a class that included Omari Abor and Kenyatta Jackson, two edge rushers who were ranked as top-100 prospects, as well as end Caden Curry and tackle Hero Kanu who fell just outside the top-100. All of them but Curry, who had a half-sack against Iowa, redshirted last fall. Some were due to injury such as Abor, who hurt a knee. The search for defensive line depth will likely hinge on at least someone from this group emerging as a contributor.