Today’s Topic: Is There a Buckeye in 2019 Who is the Best Nationally at His Position?
This a topic that I stole from the message board because I found it pretty interesting.
In any given year there are certainly candidates to discuss, but this is especially true in the years when the Buckeyes have won a national championship.
In 2014, you could make the argument for Ezekiel Elliott or Taylor Decker or Joey Bosa or Darron Lee or Vonn Bell.
In 2002, there was Andy Groom, Mike Nugent, Chris Gamble, Will Smith, Matt Wilhelm, and Michael Doss.
One could come to the conclusion that if Ohio State is going to win a national title in 2019, there needs to be a similar list of possibilities on this squad.
Looking over the depth chart, and the first name that pops out is defensive end Chase Young. Young was a second-team All-B1G selection by the coaches this past season. He finished second in the Big Ten with 9.5 sacks. Can he follow in the footsteps of the Bosa Brothers and be the best at his position? The 2019 season will probably be his last chance in college to find out.
There is also JK Dobbins. Yes, this past season was a down year for him, but he is hard at work at improving. A meaner offensive line and a quarterback who keeps a run defense honest should have his numbers back up to previous levels. He is also headed into his contract season as 2019 could be his final year as a Buckeye. The motivation and Dobbins’ considerable talent could put him on the list of the best in the nation.
Safety Jordan Fuller was a second-team All-B1G selection in 2018 playing both strong and free safety. He wasn’t satisfied by his performance, so an even better season in 2019 should be expected. How well will he take to two new coaches in the secondary remains to be seen, but as a veteran and a captain, he should adapt quite well. Will he adapt well enough to be the best safety in college football?
Could somebody like Robert Landers stake claim as the best nose tackle in the nation? Or Luke Farrell as the best tight end? Perhaps a cornerback? Austin Mack? KJ Hill? Can an offensive lineman step up? Or even a linebacker?
What about Justin Fields at quarterback? He certainly has the hype, but Trevor Lawrence and Tua Tagovailoa might have something to say about this one.
In reality, there may not be anybody on offense or defense who can claim to be the best player in the nation at their respective positions.
But there are a couple of special teamers who can.
Drue Chrisman can drop a punt into a bucket from 40 yards away and long-snapper Liam McCullough has only ever had his name mentioned when getting down the field in punt coverage. Either one — or likely both — could be the Buckeyes’ best claim to being the best in the nation this coming season.
If we are talking linebackers that open gaping holes for the offense we may have 1st and 2nd best Nationally.
I like Dobbins, Chase Young, Chrisman and his snapper and Jordan Fuller from this list.
Don’t listen to these guys Gerd. They’re just crabby with the January Blues. Malik Harrison was an underwhelming 5* LB recruit until the year he wasn’t. Marshon Lattimore had injury/upperclassmen-in-front issues until he didn’t. Malik Hooker same thing. I’m looking forward to the unknown to become known this year, same as I do every year.
Guys, leave young Gerd alone.
‘‘Tis the season for conjecture.
Additionally Brandon White and Chris Olave were “who’s??” at the start of last season, and wound up being potential “whose-who’s” before the season ended. The glass here at the Ohio state University is 3/4 full.
Great article, however, our punter may have something to say about that. OSU is a lot like Cedar Point, Cedar Point may not have the fastest, tallest and newest of all rides and attractions, but all their rides rank in the top 2-5 in their category world wide and there are really very few or no amusement parks anywhere that can compete with that. So, OSU is right up there with the AL,s, CLEM’s, and OKs of the world.
When I saw the title of your column, the only name that came to my mind was Chrisman. I don’t think anybody is going from second team BIG to best at their position nationally is a year, but I hope I’m wrong on multiple fronts.
I’m thinking you meant Luke Farrell for tight end.
Whoa..where to begin??
1) These players need to perform FIRST before this argument is even possible. Results first, THEN conjecture…
2) JK Dobbins does NOT need a “QB who can keep defenses honest”. He needs a competent offensive line and play calling that actually gets him the ball. Geesh.
3) Luke Fickell’s eligibility is exhausted.
Agree with Longtime. You don’t go from 2nd-best in your own conference to national best. There is no Buckeye that deserves to be considered at this point. Further agree that if he’s “the best at his position” that Dobbins doesn’t need a QB – that wouldn’t make him the best RB by a long road. The best RB is one like Barry Sanders, who carried his team when the opponent KNEW he was getting the ball.
It’s a fun topic, but not this year when there isn’t anyone returning who might have challenged last year.