Breaking Down the Depth Chart on Defense So Far

Breaking Down the Depth Chart on Defense...So Far

Ohio State is more than a week into fall camp, and the Buckeyes' defensive depth chart is beginning to take shape.

In this episode of The Buckeye Weekly Podcast, Tony Gerdeman and Tom Orr go position by position through the Ohio State defense and break down what they've seen and heard so far. How deep will the Buckeyes go at defensive tackle? Has Beau Atkinson grabbed a starting job at defensive end? Where does Alabama transfer Qua Russaw fit into Matt Patricia's defense? And which young players are already forcing their way into the rotation?

The guys also discuss the linebacker pecking order, the emergence of freshman Jay Timmons at nickel, Ohio State's increasingly competitive cornerback room, the Earl Little–Jaylen McClain safety tandem, and what we know about the return game.

Where do you agree or disagree with our projected depth chart? Let us know in the comments.

0:00 — Welcome to the Buckeye Weekly Podcast
0:44 — Breaking down Ohio State's defensive depth chart
1:03 — Defensive tackle rotation and Matt Patricia's committee approach
2:03 — How much will Eddrick Houston and James Smith play together?
3:17 — Defensive end depth chart: Kenyatta Jackson and Beau Atkinson
4:16 — Beau Atkinson's rise during fall camp
4:57 — Where Qua Russaw fits into the defense
5:49 — Russaw's unique role as a pass rusher
7:31 — Why Ohio State could be the perfect fit for Russaw
8:09 — Linebacker depth chart begins to take shape
9:12 — Payton Pierce, Christian Alliegro and the battle for the third LB spot
10:04 — Who backs up the Sam linebacker?
11:18 — Could Russaw handle some linebacker responsibilities?
11:54 — Nickel: Is freshman Jay Timmons already the starter?
12:45 — Who would be the backup nickel?
13:49 — Cornerback depth chart and the battle behind the starters
15:01 — Safety depth chart: Earl Little and Jaylen McClain
16:08 — Why expectations are rising for Earl Little
16:51 — Ohio State's safety depth behind the starters
17:23 — Punter appears settled
17:49 — Punt and kickoff return possibilities
19:08 — Final thoughts on the defensive depth chart

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