Ohio State: Breaking Down the Defensive Backs

Ohio State two lost two All-Big Ten performers from last year's defensive backfield, but coaches believe this year's unit is far deeper and more talented that the '06 team. The DB's will be led by All-American candidate Malcolm Jenkins. The junior from Piscataway is considered one of the top cover corners in the country and this will most certainly be his last year in Columbus. Jenkins was rated as the #61 corner in his class by Rivals in 2005, giving an indication of Jim Tressel's ability to identify and develop great players.

The second corner spot is currently manned by redshirt sophomore Donald Washington. Washington has good size and recovery speed, but struggled somewhat against Michigan and Florida in his first year as a starter. He reported made a lot of big plays during spring, and the staff expects big things of Washington. Also from the class of 2005, Washington was just a two-star recruit.

Junior Andre Amos is listed as the nickel corner coming out spring practice, but a number of young players are nipping at his heels. Amos came in as a highly-regarded four-star in 2005, but has not yet seen substantial time on the field. He's been hampered somewhat by injuries, but he needs to emerge from that pack if he wants to make an impact over the next two seasons. Also in the mix for playing time at corner is Chimdi Chekwa, a redshirt freshman from Florida. Chekwa flew under the radar as a recruit, but had great success against Michigan WR Greg Mathews during high school. Chekwa currently projects as a solid nickel corner during his time in Columbus, but may compete for starting job in '08 with a strong campaign. Junior Brandon Underwood was on the two-deep after the spring practice, but he has had an up and down time at Ohio State. The talented incoming freshmen could relegate him to special teams and backup duty.

The Buckeyes are extremely deep at safety, where up to seven returning players could see action this season. The current starters are junior Jamario O'Neal and redshirt junior Nick Patterson, but neither one might be on the field when the Buckeyes open up against Youngstown State. O'Neal, a Rivals100 player from 2005, has never quite translated his amazing athletic ability into steady play on the field. Patterson, may just be keeping the spot warm for Anderson Russell, who is recovering from a torn ACL suffered against Iowa. Russell hopes to ready for opening day and will definitely see significant playing time when he's 100%.

A talented group of young safeties is led by sophomore Kurt Coleman. The former four-star from Northmont has the cover skills of a corner but loves to mix it up near the line of scrimmage. It wouldn't be going out on a limb to say he'll be a starter by the time Big Ten season rolls around. Sophomore Aaron Gant, who played at Michigan pipeline school Orchard Lake St. Mary's, cut his teeth on special teams and hopes to make the regular rotation this season. Two other players to watch: Redshirt freshman Grant Schwartz, a speedy legacy from California, had a strong spring filling in for injured players. And redshirt freshman Tyler Moeller, a converted linebacker, was a terror in spring drills and could force his way onto the field. Ohio State does not expect to lose any safeties to graduation or the draft, meaning a very deep and experienced team will return in '08.

In addition to the diverse, talented group of veterans, Ohio State reeled in one of the top defensive back classes in the country last season. The group was led by Gene Clifford, one of the most highly regarded safeties in the nation. Clifford had an off-season incident that may land him in the doghouse, but he is the freshman most likely to make an impact this year. Clifford is also a game breaking wide receiver and has the ability to play corner, so he could be a menace all over the field. Clifford will be paired in the future with Nate Oliver, a four-star safety that was nearly forgotten because of his early commitment. Though he currently lacks ideal speed, Oliver is true playmaker from the safety spot. Rocco Pentello, recruited as an athlete, player quarterback in high school but will likely start out at safety. Pentello suffered a broken leg as a senior so he was not a high-level recruit. But some program insiders believe that he will "surprise" Buckeye fans and see heavy playing time by 2010.

Ohio State brought in three cornerbacks, including potential lockdown corner James Scott. Though he was listed as one of the top ten corners on many lists, Scott was knocked down a few pegs due to his height (5'10"). But he was a demon at post-season all-star games and camps, and Buckeye fans believe he could be the best overall corner coming into the conference this season. His tough style of play reminds many of Antoine Winfield, whose hard-hitting play made him an ideal Big Ten corner. Slotted as the #2 CB of the future is Donnie Evege, another Rivals250 member. Both Evege and Scott enrolled early and participated in spring drills. Evege is a smooth athlete with great speed and solid technical skills for a freshman. Athlete Devon Torrence is the third corner in the class, though he may ultimately end up on the offensive side of the ball. Torrence, another four-star prospect, is also a standout baseball player. He will be joined in Columbus by his brother Devoe, one of the best players in the '08 class.

With such a surplus of young defensive backs, Ohio State's recruiting is rather light this year. Safety Danny McCarthy from Cardinal Mooney was one of the first players offered in Ohio, but he seems headed to South Bend to join his brother. Ohio State, much like Michigan, is still in contact with E.J. Woods and Rahim Moore. The pair are soft verbals to UCLA, but may visit or camp at Ohio State. Woods grew up in Cleveland, so he seems the more likely one to break ranks. I wouldn't currently predict either chaging their minds.

A few other names on the radar include: Brandon Harris (FL), Johnny Adams (OH), Terrance Parks (GA) and Isiah Pead (OH). Harris and Parks both hold offers, but at this time neither has Ohio State in their top three. Adams and Parks will need top notch camp performances to garner offers in this tight year. We'll have more on OSU recruiting when the big board is updated this weekend.