2013 Defensive Playmakers

Last season, there were times where many of us wondered what was going on with the defense. They let Purdue and Indiana score basically at will. Couldn't stop a pebble from rolling down a driveway at the beginning of last season. And then, all of a sudden, the defense started to play very well. They finally played to the level most of us felt they were capable of.

After the season, the Buckeyes lost the following players on defense:

John Simon, DE
Jonathon Hankins, DT
Zach Boren, LB
Travis Howard, CB
Orhian Johnson, S
Etienne Sabino, LB
Nate Williams, DB

There are some very talented players on that list that are going to have to be replaced. Simon was a beast; Hankins could stuff the run and put pressure on the QB; Boren was a surprise at LB and played very well, making one of the most memorable plays of the season against TSUN last season.

So who's going to step up this season and help take the Silver Bullets to the next level, to a championship caliber defense?

Bradley Roby, CB - He was the best defensive back on the team last season, and he's back and should be even better this season. Expect him to be playing at a near-shutdown level.

Armani Reeves, CB - Reeves has a lot of hype behind him, and I think he's going to win the starting CB spot across from Roby. If he does, I think it's going to give is a very good tandem at corner. Reeves, I believe, could end up being one of the best corners in Ohio State history when his college career is over.

Noah Spence, DE - He's listed as just DL on the roster, but he should be playing end exclusively. He's got a great speed rush, and after a year and a summer in the weight room, he should have added some more strength. I expect him to lead the team in sacks, and likely the B1G.

Adolphus Washington, DE - Also listed as a DL, I expect him to play mostly DE and maybe DT in the nickel. He's bigger than Spence, and should be very strong against the run. I also expect his sack numbers to be surprising because I think QB's will be running away from Spence and right into his arms.

Tommy Schutt, DT - He's also listed as a DL, he'll be lining up at tackle for the most part. At 6-2 and 303, he should be a run stuffer. I don't think you'll be able to run up the middle on the Buckeyes.

Ryan Shazier, LB - I am expecting Shazier to be an absolute beast this season and not only lead the team in tackles, but also be towards the top of the nation in tackle numbers.

C.J. Barnett, SS - I think this is the season Barnett really shows that he has the talent to be a top back-end defender in college football, too bad it's his senior and likely final season.

I truly feel that this group of players is what's going to make Ohio State's defense one of the top in the nation, a championship caliber defense. They will need to play that way to become National Champions.