LOOK: Former Ohio State stars return to workout with Larry Johnson
You can always come home. That’s exactly what some former Ohio State stars did earlier this week, returning to Columbus to workout with Ohio State defensive line and associate head coach Larry Johnson.
“Another awesome day in the lab working with some great players and even better leaders! @Hercules__52 @JonathonCooper7 @JayHolmes_ @JayRock_9 @NFL,” tweeted Johnson.
As you can see, a bevy of Ohio State stars returned to workout with Johnson. To illustrate, Antwuan Jackson Jr., Jonathon Cooper, Jalyn Holmes and Jashon Cornell returned to Columbus to workout with their former coach.
First, Jackson is preparing to the NFL Draft. Unfortunately, he wasn’t invited to the 2022 NFL Scouting Combine. Now, the former Buckeyes defensive tackle will look to prove his worth in other ways leading up to April.
Next, Jonathon Cooper was drafted by the Denver Broncos in the 7th round of the 2021 NFL Draft, 239th overall. In his rookie season with the AFC West squad, Cooper amassed 34 tackles, 2.5 sacks and a fumble recovery. He’s looking to build upon a promising rookie season.
Moreover, Jalyn Holmes and Jashon Cornell also returned to Columbus. In 2018, the Minnesota Vikings selected Holmes with the 102nd overall selection of the 2018 NFL Draft. Last season, he moved on from the team that drafted him — spending 2021 with the New Orleans Saints. In his career, Holmes has 57 total tackles, 1.0 sack and three pass deflections.
On the other hand, Cornell was the 235th overall selection of the 2020 NFL Draft by the Detroit Lions. Since, injuries have dampened the beginning of his career. Evidently, he’s motivated to have a breakout season in 2022 with Detroit.
A return home can offer perspective, nostalgia and renewed motivation. Now, the football world will watch to see if the former Buckeyes can rekindle their fire.
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Larry Johnson and company aren’t the only former Buckeyes looking back on their time at Ohio State. Former Buckeyes quarterback JT Barrett recently spoke to Austin Ward of On3’s Letterman Row, reminiscing on his time with Ohio State. The quarterback said despite being so far removed from his playing days, he thinks the five years he spent in Columbus are some of the best in Buckeyes history.
“It’s interesting,” Barrett said. “You look up and how many years go by? But it’s been quite some time but it was a great time. The people I played with, the coaches I was able to play under. It was a great time for me in my life and wouldn’t trade the guys we were with. That time in Ohio State history — I don’t know too much, I know a little bit about my Buckeye history and then after we left, we had some great times being Buckeyes. That period of 2013 to 2017, for me, what a time to be a Buckeye. What a time to be a Buckeye, let me tell you.”
Ohio State went to five straight New Year’s Six Bowls while Barrett was on campus and even won the program’s latest national championship in 2014. He was the starter for the entire season before suffering an injury and seeing Cardale Jones finish off the run, beating the Alabama Crimson Tide in the semifinals and the Oregon Ducks in the CFP championship.