Scarlet Sunrise: Jim Knowles humbled by returners, feels like defense has the right pieces
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Jim Knowles humbled by returners, feels like defense has the right piece
Ohio State returned 11 draft-eligible and starter-level players this offseason.
Of those 11, eight are on the defensive side of the ball: defensive ends J.T. Tuimoloau and Jack Sawyer, defensive tackles Tyleik Williams and Ty Hamilton, cornerbacks Jordan Hancock and Denzel Burke, linebacker Cody Simon and safety Lathan Ransom.
“It’s humbling,” third-year Buckeyes defensive coordinator Jim Knowles said Friday. “You’re in it because you want to have an effect on the players and their development. When they come back, and they have a chance to move on, it shows you that they’re happy to be here.
“Take everything out of the equation, it means they’re happy to be here, and they believe in me and the coaches and the defense and they think that we can make them better and keep growing them. And they got unfinished business.”
Knowles added: “But all of that — you know, that overused word ‘culture’ — I think one of the examples is when guys like that come back. They want to still be a part of it. And they also think it can help them.”
With returners at all three levels of the defense who could have taken part in last week’s NFL Combine, the Buckeyes are in position for a memorable 2024. Ohio State was already elite defensively last season, during which it ranked second in the country in points per game allowed (11.2) and second in pass defense efficiency (99.21) and conceded a nation-fewest two plays of 40-plus yards from scrimmage.
Knowles was asked if he feels like he has everything he needs, in terms of personnel, right there with him in the Woody Hayes Athletic Center.
“Yeah, absolutely,” Knowles said.
He went on: “I took that for granted when I came to Ohio State, that the expectation is I’m gonna have everything I need. And I think that’s just gotten better now going into Year 3, when you can really look at it and say we have veteran players who understand the defense and understand the position. Plus, they’re great athletes.”
Knowles adapted last offseason, instead building his defense around his personnel rather than building his personnel around his defense. He’s continuing to lean into that shift this offseason.
Observations from Ohio State’s second spring practice
Ohio State held its second practice of the spring season Thursday in the Woody, and Lettermen Row was on site to continue to take in the sights and sounds of the first week of action.
While there are more unknowns on offense than defense at this point of the offseason, we highlighted both sides of the ball, plus added some special teams notes.
For our observations on offense, go here.
For our observations on defense, go here.
RELATED
Jack Sawyer aiming to land captain role in final year for Buckeyes
Ohio State defensive end Jack Sawyer played a big part in most of his Buckeyes class running things back for 2024, but his leadership doesn’t stop there.
Sawyer wants to be a captain in his final year at Ohio State. The Pickerington North product wants to be seen, heard and felt by his teammates.
“I think I’m definitely taking that leadership role — and same with a lot of us guys who came back,” Sawyer told Lettermen Row in a 1-on-1 interview after practice Thursday.
“We know that we have to set the standard. We’ve got to be the guys that set the pace and hold guys accountable and make sure stuff’s going the right way.”
To get the full story, head on over here.
Sonny Styles’ move to linebacker permanent, part of Jim Knowles’ long-term plan
“Athlete,” “unicorn,” “weapon.”
Sonny Styles has been described lots of ways his first two years at Ohio State. But perhaps his latest title is most fitting: “linebacker.”
“For him to be in the box, him running sideline-to-sideline, fitting gaps,” senior cornerback Denzel Burke said, “I feel like it’s gonna be scary for offenses, especially for his size. He’s about 230. Probably runs 4.3 or 4.4.
“Yeah, it’s gonna be fun.”
Go here for the full story on Styles’ permanent move from safety to linebacker.
Counting Down
Buckeyes vs. Akron: 176 days
Buckeyes vs. Michigan: 267 days
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