Going on the record to look at what OSU’s depth chart will be four months in the future.
From now until preseason camp starts later this week, Land-Grant Holy Land will be writing articles around a different theme every week. This week is all about the things we need to get off our chests before the season starts; the things we need to get on the record. You can catch up on all of the Theme Week content here and all of our ”On the Record” articles here.
We do things a little differently here at Land-Grant Holy Land. Some people might say that we are rulebreakers, mavericks, or (heaven forbid) the lunatic fringe. But that doesn’t stop us from speaking our truths, throwing caution to the wind, and zigging when the traditional Ohio State media zags.
So, while everyone on the Buckeye beat is making predictions about what the Ohio State depth chart is going to look like at the start of the regular season, to wrap up our On the Record Week, I’m going to step out on a limb and throw caution to the wind and tell you what the Ohio State depth chart is going to look like at the end of the regular season.
Buckle up, buttercups, things are about to get crazy!
Ok, I admit it, despite my bluster above, I’m not really going to get too crazy with any of these predictions. Despite a crap-ton of turnover following last season’s national championship, I think that for many of the positions, it is clear who the top guy is, and I don’t think that changes through the course of the season in most cases.
However, I do have a small handful of spots where I am predicting that a player will come on through the course of the year to seize an opportunity to become the No. 1 guy at a position. I, of course, am not predicting any sort of injuries or other non-performance related reasons for someone to be out of the running to start, but clearly those types of things would have dramatic impacts on the depth chart.
Offense
Quarterback: Julian Sayin
Running Back: James Peoples, C.J. Donaldson
I don’t believe in predicting “co-starters” in exercises like these, but given how we saw the Buckeyes utilize TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins last season, at this one position, I don’t think there is any true value in getting hung up on who gets the first snap in the backfield.
Wide Receiver: Jeremiah Smith, Carnell Tate, Mylan Graham
Tight End: Max Klare
Left Tackle: Ethan Onianwa
Left Guard: Luke Montgomery
Center: Carson Hinzman
Right Guard: Joshua Padilla
Right Tackle: Austin Siereveld
Defense
End: Beau Atkinson and Kenyatta Jackson Jr.
Defensive Tackle: Eddrick Houston,
Nose Tackle: Will Smith Jr.
Will Linebacker: Sonny Styles
Mike Linebacker: Arvell Reese
Cornerback: Davison Igbinosun, Jermaine Mathews Jr.
Nickelback: Bryce West
Free Safety: Caleb Downs
Strong Safety: Malik Hartford
Special Teams
Kicker: Jayden Fielding
Punter: Nick McLarty
Long Snapper: John Ferlmann