BuckIQ: Bryson Shaw brings star potential to Ohio State defense

COLUMBUS — For now, Bryson Shaw might not be able to escape the comparisons.

The Ohio State signee was a lacrosse star. He might have the kind of positional flexibility that could let him line up in multiple spots on defense. His athleticism is going to entice the coaching staff to get him on the field as soon as possible.

But eventually Shaw should be able to shed those couple similarities with former Buckeyes star Sam Hubbard — most notably because he’s not likely to leave the secondary behind by developing into a defensive end. But beyond that, Shaw has plenty of traits that make him unique, and with his aggressive mindset, off-the-charts physical tools and hunger to compete, he shouldn’t be overlooked in the latest class that just arrived on campus this week.

“Once he’s on the defensive side of the ball, you go away from him,” Bullis School coach Pat Cilento told Lettermen Row. “He could definitely run, he was the fastest kid I’ve ever seen with the ball in his hand. And he definitely played with a chip on his shoulder.

“[But on defense] just go away, because his closing speed is unbelievable. And with that chip on his shoulder, he wants to rip your head off.”

As the Buckeyes start revamping the defense after the struggles last season, Shaw is exactly the kind of talent the program is looking for in the secondary. Like most freshmen, he’s going to have a hard time cracking the lineup this fall thanks to all the depth and experience returning — but he could easily carve out a role on special teams and establish the foundation for his future right away.

What makes Bryson Shaw a valuable addition for Ohio State? How high is the ceiling for his future with the Buckeyes? Can another former lacrosse player become a star for the program? Former Ohio State linebacker Zach Boren put on the highlights from Shaw’s last year in high school to get a feel for what he brings to the Silver Bullets in the latest episode of BuckIQ.

Roll the tape!

Lettermen Row senior writer Austin Ward contributed the editorial content for this post.