Ohio State football 2021 projected depth chart, start of fall camp defense

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OK, it’s time again to take a look at the projected depth chart for the Ohio State football team now that we’ve gotten a peek at some things during the first week of fall camp.

We go through this exercise a few times a year as things progress from just after the end of the season as a way-too-early look ahead, into spring ball, and then leading through fall camp with one last projection just before the kick off to the season.

This season is a little different too because there were some late additions to the 2021 class with J.T. Tuimoloau committing late, and with the news that 5-star quarterback Quinn Ewers was reclassifying to the 2021 class and enrolling at OSU a year early.

It’s still early in preseason camp, but we have been able to observe some things, all while taking into account injuries. This could all change as things progress over the next few weeks, but here’s where we see things right now. This is a follow-up to our look at the offense just a few days ago.

Defensive Tackle (3-technique)

Where is Ohio State ranked in Lindy's 2021 college football preview?
Where is Ohio State ranked in Lindy's 2021 college football preview?

Apr 17, 2021; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes defensive end Jack Sawyer (33) and defensive end Javontae Jean-Baptiste (8), and defensive tackle Taron Vincent (6) following the annual spring game at Ohio Stadium. Credit: Joseph Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports

Starter

Taron Vincent

Class in 2021: Junior Measurables: 6-foot, 2-inches, 295-pounds Hometown: Baltimore, Maryland

Backup

Antwuan Jackson

Class in 2021: Senior Measurables: 6-foot, 2-inches, 295-pounds Hometown: Ellenwood, Georgia

Where things stand

There have been questions on whether or not Vincent would be inserted as a starter because he and Haskell Garrett have both primarily been gap rushers during their career. However, it looks like one of them will move to a nose tackle defensive lineman so that the best two tackles get on the field at the same time. We made this all last time we went through this exercise and are still sticking to it based on it looking like the plan during the early part of fall camp. Antwuan Jackson seems likely to also get some action in the rotation.

Defensive Tackle (Nose)

Ohio State with 4 players named Sporting News Preseason All-Americans
Ohio State with 4 players named Sporting News Preseason All-Americans

Ohio State Buckeyes defensive tackle Tommy Togiai (72) celebrates a sack with Ohio State Buckeyes defensive tackle Haskell Garrett (92) during the fourth quarter in their NCAA Division I football game on Saturday, Nov. 21, 2020, at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio. Credit: USA TODAY Sports

Starter

Haskell Garrett

Class in 2021: Senior Measurables: 6-foot, 2-inches, 299-pounds Hometown: Las Vegas, Nevada

Backup

Jerron Cage

Class in 2021: Senior Measurables: 6-foot, 2-inches, 299-pounds Hometown: Cincinnati, Ohio

Where things stand

We still feel the same her taking into consideration the note prior about getting both Vincent and Garrett on the field at the same time. Even if both are still used as a gap rusher on the inside, Garrett will likely get the start because of what he did last season. We like Jerron Cage's experience as one to back things up at this spot.

Defensive End

WATCH: Ohio State DE Zach Harrison was mic'd up during spring drills.
WATCH: Ohio State DE Zach Harrison was mic'd up during spring drills.

Zach Harrison pushes himself during spring drills. Credit: Ohio State Dept. of Athletics

Starter

Zach Harrison

Class in 2021: Junior Measurables: 6-foot, 6-inches, 265-pounds Hometown: Lewis Center, Ohio

Backup

J.T. Tuimoloau

Class in 2021: Freshman Measurables: 6-foot, 4-inches, 275-pounds Hometown: Edgewood, Washington

Where things stand

With the news that Tyler Friday will likely miss most of the season with an injury, we're now penciling super freshman J.T. Tuimoloau into the mix. He hasn't had a whole lot of time to get up to speed, but you can bet the coaching staff will get him a ton of reps to get him ready to spell Harrison who has the starting spot locked down on one of the edges.

Defensive End

WATCH: Ohio State drops hype video for defensive end Tyreke Smith
WATCH: Ohio State drops hype video for defensive end Tyreke Smith

Jan 1, 2021; New Orleans, LA, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes defensive end Tyreke Smith (11) celebrates after tackling Clemson Tigers quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) in the third quarter during the College Football Playoff semifinal at the Allstate Sugar Bowl in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans on Friday, Jan. 1, 2021. Credit: Ken Ruinard-USA TODAY Sports

Starter

Tyreke Smith

Class in 2021: Senior Measurables: 6-foot, 4-inches, 267-pounds Hometown: Cleveland, Ohio

Backup

Jack Sawyer

Class in 2021: Freshman Measurables: 6-foot, 5-inches, 248-pounds Hometown: Pickerington, Ohio

Where things stand

As we've mentioned before, we can't forget about Comontae Hamilton and Javontae Jean-Baptiste in the competition for playing time at defensive end because of experience, but it sure looks and feels like freshman Jack Sawyer HAS to get on the field. He tore it up in the spring game and it's going to be hard to keep either talented freshman off the field.

Linebacker (Mike)

Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Cody Simon (30) rushes toward defensive backs coach Larry Johnson during football training camp at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center in Columbus on Friday, Aug. 6, 2021. Credit: USA TODAY Sports

Starter

Cody Simon

Class in 2021: Sophomore Measurables: 6-foot, 2-inches, 233-pounds Hometown: Jersey City, New Jersey

Backup

Dallas Gant

Class in 2021: Senior Measurables: 6-foot, 3-inches, 232-pounds Hometown: Toledo, Ohio

Where things stand

Based on what has been observed during the first week, it sure looks like Simon has made moves and slightly ahead of Gant at the moment to start in the middle. It'll be a close competition throughout camp though all the way down until the last week likely. We'll also have to see if Reid Carrico can push up into the top two as a freshman that has impressed so far.

Linebacker (Will)

Dec 1, 2018; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Teradja Mitchell (7) walks to the locker room after defeating the Northwestern Wildcats in the Big Ten conference championship game at Lucas Oil Stadium. Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

Starter

Teradja Mitchell

Class in 2021: Senior Measurables: 6-foot, 2-inches, 240-pounds Hometown: Virginia Beach, Virginia

Backup

K'Vaughn Pope

Class in 2021: Senior Measurables: 6-foot, 1-inch, 225-pounds Hometown: Dinwiddie, Virginia

Where things stand

There's clearly been some shuffling at the linebacker position. It makes a lot of sense because it's the most unstable and green position on the defense with the top four in the depth chart now graduated from the program. It should be Teradja Mitchell's time to shine here, with K'Vaughn Pope seemingly the next guy in the pecking order based on reps in fall camp so far. Stay tuned though because Reid Carrico and Tommy Eichenberg could still factor in somewhere.

Bullet (linebacker/safety)

Ronnie Hickman (14) was the No. 3-ranked player in New Jersey and, after redshirting in 2019, made three tackles last year. Credit: USA TODAY Sports

Starter

Ronnie Hickman

Class in 2021: Sophomore Measurables: 6-foot, 1-inch, 205-pounds Hometown: Wayne, New Jersey

Backup

Craig Young

Class in 2021: Junior Measurables: 6-foot, 3-inches, 228-pounds Hometown: Fort Wayne, Indiana

Where things stand

We expect this competition to be one of the closest all the way through the fall. It looks like the coaches are working both of these guys into the bullet position with Hickman having the slight edge in working with the firsts. We also expect Kourt Williams to factor in and push these two based on what he brings to the table, but he's still coming off of injury. His year might be next year, or even late in the year this season.

Cornerback (Outside No. 1)

Ohio State cornerback Sevyn Banks named to Thorpe preseason watch list
Ohio State cornerback Sevyn Banks named to Thorpe preseason watch list

Jan 11, 2021; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes cornerback Sevyn Banks (7) against the Alabama Crimson Tide in the 2021 CFP National Championship Game. Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Starter

Sevyn Banks

Class in 2021: Senior Measurables: 6-foot, 1-inch, 200-pounds Hometown: Orlando, Florida

Backup

Ryan Watts

Class in 2021: RS Freshman Measurables: 6-foot, 3-inches, 205-pounds Hometown: Little Elm, Texas

Where things stand

There's really no doubt about Sevyn Banks having the No. 1 corner spot locked up. He could be an All-Big type performer and many preseason hype pieces have him pushing for All-American consideration. Watts has impressed as a youngster that will likely factor into the rotation.

Cornerback (Outside No. 2)

PHOTOS: Ohio State football images from first week of 2021 fall camp
PHOTOS: Ohio State football images from first week of 2021 fall camp

Cornerback Cameron Brown, here diving in a drill on Friday, feels confident after missing most of last season with an Achilles injury. Credit: USA TODAY Sports

Starter

Cameron Brown

Class in 2021: Senior Measurables: 6-foot, 192-pounds Hometown: Saint Louis, Missouri

Backup

Lejond Cavazos

Class in 2021: RS Freshman Measurables: 6-foot, 195-pounds Hometown: San Antonio, Texas

Where things stand

We originally had Lathan Ransom finding his way on the field here because of the season-ending injury last year to Cameron Brown, but he's been working out at safety. A lot of that has to do with Brown looking like he's well ahead of schedule in rehab and making a difference in practice. As long as he continues looking strong Brown should get the nod here. Cavazos is a guy the coaches are high on and will push for time in the rotation and be ready should he be called upon.

Free Safety

Nov 21, 2020; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Indiana Hoosiers wide receiver Whop Philyor (1) breaks the tackle of Ohio State Buckeyes safety Josh Proctor (41) and scores the touchdown during the second quarter at Ohio Stadium. Credit: Joseph Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports

Starter

Josh Proctor

Class in 2021: Senior Measurables: 6-foot, 2-inches, 195-pounds Hometown: Owasso, Oklahoma

Backup

Marcus Hooker

Class in 2021: Sophomore Measurables: 5-foot, 11-inches, 200-pounds Hometown: New Castle, Pennsylvania

Where things stand

Look for Josh Proctor to have a big year as the starter. Behind him, Jantzen Dunn has been getting some time line up deep, but we like Marcus Hooker to eventually be a part of the guys getting a lot of time on the field. He may even eventually take over a starting spot at cover safety, but he has to show that he can keep his nose clean.

Cover Safety

Cornerback Marcus Williamson goes through drills during spring ball at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center. Credit: Ohio State Dept. of Athletics

Starter

Marcus Williamson

Class in 2021: Sophomore Measurables: 5-foot, 10-inches, 185-pounds Hometown: Westerville, Ohio

Backup

Lathan Ransom

Class in 2021: Sophomore Measurables: 6-foot, 195-pounds Hometown: San Antonio, Texas

Where things stand

It was a bit surprising to see Williamson trot out there with the No. 1s but we can't totally disregard that even though it's still extremely early in the preseason. Don't be surprised at all if Ransom ends up grabbing the starting spot as things progress because he got rave reviews from the coaches and players throughout the spring.

Kicker

Jan 11, 2021; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes placekicker Jake Seibert (98) kicks a field goal against the Alabama Crimson Tide in the second quarter in the 2021 College Football Playoff National Championship Game at Hard Rock Stadium. Credit: Douglas DeFelice-USA TODAY Sports

Starter

Noah Ruggles

Class in 2021: Senior Measurables: 6-foot, 2-inches, 190-pounds Hometown: Odessa, Florida

Backup

Jake Seibert

Class in 2021: RS Freshman Measurables: 6-foot, 1-inch, 200-pounds Hometown: Cincinnati, Ohio

Where things stand

This one is tricky. Seibert was one of the best placekickers coming out of high school but struggled a bit when called upon late last season and in the spring game. He'll eventually figure it out but is still young. North Carolina graduate transfer Noah Ruggles will get a shot to win the job and we like his experience to win out. It could go either way though. [listicle id=55206] [vertical-gallery id=55209] Contact/Follow us @BuckeyesWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Ohio State news, notes and opinion.

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