Jim Knowles impressed with freshman linebackers after six practices

When defensive coordinator Jim Knowles entered the Ohio State Buckeyes program, he walked into an embarrassment of riches to work with. Even with some of the struggles on the field, the recruiting did not slow down, especially at the linebacker position.

Two of the best players in Ohio State’s 2022 recruiting class are both linebackers in former five-star C.J. Hicks and four-star Gabe Powers. Both are in-state prospects Knowles will have at his disposal this upcoming season if he needs them. Even with solid depth at linebacker, both true freshmen enrolling early will have them competing for playing time in the fall.

Knowles talked about what he has seen from both Hicks and Powers after six practices so far in spring. He began with the former five-star, highlighting some of the best attributes Hicks has shown.

“CJ shows a lot of short space quickness and his feet are excellent,” Knowles said. “He has outstanding ability to break on the ball. So, I think I am seeing from CJ a lot of the quickness and speed that I expected.”

Knowles took a different approach when discussing Powers, talking more about the mental makeup the linebacker possesses. He had high compliments of what the future could look like, even if there has been little time he and Powers have spent together.

“Gabe is quiet but I think he’s one of those guys who gets better every day,” said Knowles. “He is a serious student of the game and I just see his trajectory just in six practices as being completely upward. He’s a guy who wants to learn, wants to grow and he makes that transition from the classroom to the field.”

Hicks and Powers were both ranked inside of the top 10 within their home states of Ohio and at the linebacker position according to the On3 Consensus, a complete and equally weighted industry-generated average that utilizes all four major recruiting services. There has been a major rehaul at the linebacker position for the Buckeyes and the two freshmen will be a major part of its success.

Ohio State also took a linebacker in the transfer portal, picking up DeaMonte Trayanum via the Arizona State Sun Devils. There are going to be a lot of new faces there for Knowles in the Buckeyes as they look to significantly improve on the defensive side of the ball. With how explosive the offensive is going to be, it could be the difference between a College Football Playoff appearance.