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Sometimes overlooked, Dre'Mont Jones indispensable for Ohio State

Austin-Wardby: AustinWard_09/16/18AWardSports

Win or lose, every week there are a handful of Ohio State players who stood out above the rest.

Following the tradition of the helmet stickers that dates back to the days of Woody Hayes, Lettermen Row shares out our version of the award every Sunday morning for the best performers on offense, defense and special teams for the Buckeyes.


ARLINGTON, Texas — Dre’Mont Jones came back to Ohio State with so much he wanted to prove.

His draft stock could be boosted. He wanted to play for a national-championship squad. The veteran defensive tackle wanted to be a leader for the Buckeyes.

He’s checking off one box after another early in the season for Ohio State. And while he might be somewhat overshadowed at times by the presence of Heisman Trophy candidates like Nick Bosa and Dwayne Haskins, Jones is a bonafide star at his position and is looking more like a first-round draft pick with each passing week.

“It means a lot to be able to face adversity like that and come back victorious,” Jones said after the 40-28 win over TCU on Saturday night at AT&T Stadium. “It really shows how strong you are as a brotherhood.”

There was plenty of credit to go around for those tight-knit Buckeyes. But these are Lettermen Row’s picks for individual Buckeye Leaves after knocking off the Horned Frogs.

Offense

WR K.J. Hill

Look, it might already be time to retire Dwayne Haskins from consideration for these weekly awards. The Ohio State quarterback faced the toughest test he’s seen as a starter, and he was fantastic despite the steady pressure from the Horned Frogs while throwing for 344 yards and accounting for three touchdowns. But arguably the best throw of the game relied on K.J. Hill running a sharp route, adjusting to the football and making an athletic catch on a 24-yard strike that gave the Buckeyes a two-score lead late in the third quarter. Hill finished with a team-high 6 grabs for 95 yards, and he’s another unsung hero who the Buckeyes need contributing every week.

K.J. Hill-Ohio State-Ohio State Buckeyes-Ohio State football

Ohio State wide receiver K.J. Hill snagged a huge touchdown in the win over TCU. (Birm/Lettermen Row)

Defense

DT Dre’Mont Jones

He might not crave the spotlight or feel any jealousy whatsoever when it comes to the attention on Nick Bosa, but Dre’Mont Jones had to enjoy his chance to show the world what he can do on a big stage. The interception return for a touchdown was truly a special play from start to finish for Jones, showcasing all of the impressive physical tools and sharp technique he brings at defensive tackle. The final line: 6 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, a sack and a 28-yard interception return for a score.

Special teams

P Drue Chrisman

The field-position battle finally mattered more with an opponent on the other side of the field that boasted some comparable talent. Drue Chrisman answered the bell again, even if he wasn’t able to really show off much leg strength when he was pinning the Horned Frogs deep inside their own territory. Ohio State’s punter placed five of his six attempts inside the 20-yard line, doing a bit of thankless work that can help tip the scales over the course of a game.