How Jerron Cage is developing into leader for Ohio State

Ohio State defensive lineman Jerron Cage had a 57-yard scoop and score against Penn State on Saturday night. Buckeyes Head coach Ryan Day had nothing but great things to say about the senior defensive lineman when he spoke with reporters on Thursday.

“Well, I think Jerron is a veteran player,” he said. “He’s somebody who has a mature approach. And I think his teammates respect him when he says something. Which he doesn’t always say a lot. Although, actually he’s said more recently. I think he’s gained more and more leadership skills in the last month.”

Day also noted how he’s been through some tough times in battling his way up the ranks on the Ohio State roster.

“But this is somebody who’s been through a lot. It didn’t all come at once for Jerron. But he’s worked through tough times. He’s become stronger from working through some of that adversity,” he said. “And he’s somebody that we go to and look to when times get tough, because he’s been through that type of training here.”

The Ohio State head coach also noted how important he is to their team since the team is so filled with youth. With the month of November filled with critical games, having reliable, veteran leadership is critical for the Buckeyes. Games against Michigan and Michigan State will determine ion they make the Big Ten championship and have huge implications on their playoff odds.

Ohio State defensive lineman Jerron Cage stats and bio

This season in four games, Cage has seven tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, one sack and a fumble recovery for touchdown. The fifth-year senior started last year in the College Football Playoff Championship game against Alabama. Cage played in seven of eight games last seasonand contributed five tackles and one tackle for loss.

The Buckeyes face Nebraska on Saturday at noon. Kickoff is in Lincoln, Nebraska.