Scarlet Sunrise: Ohio State transition underway for 'coachable' Nigel Glover in training camp
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Ohio State transition underway for ‘coachable’ Nigel Glover in training camp
Nigel Glover — a four-star 2023 linebacker from Northmont in Dayton, Ohio, who originally signed with Northwestern but transferred to Ohio State at the start of August — was already in Columbus for the start of training camp.
“We’ve known about Nigel for a long time,” Buckeyes defensive coordinator Jim Knowles said. “And, really, it’s his attitude — the way that he wants to improve, that he’s he’s so into the X’s and O’s. He’s that kind of kid. He’s the kind of kid that’s coachable and wants to learn.”
Glover has a ways to go at Ohio State. For one, he needs to learn Knowles’ system. He also just needs to acclimate to the program and freshman life at a new school. And he’s got several names ahead of him in a crowded linebacker room where only two players start in the base 4-2-5 defense.
As has the been case for any Northwestern player — current or former — this summer has been a whirlwind, given the uncovering of the Wildcats’ hazing scandal that resulted in the firing of longtime head coach Pat Fitzgerald. At this point, however, Glover is a de facto Ohio State 2023 signee.
“That’s hard to say,” Knowles said, when asked what Glover’s role could be this season. “First thing is, we have to get him to know where his classes are. He’s still a freshman. So we’ll wait and see.”
After Glover entered the transfer portal, he took visits to Michigan, Michigan State, Kentucky and Ohio State. But Glover chose to stay close to home by joining the Buckeyes.
Remember, Ohio State signed four-star Cleveland (Ohio) Glenville linebacker Arvell Reese this past recruiting cycle. So that means the Buckeyes have two more Ohio linebackers in the fold this season.
C.J. Hicks, a former five-star recruit who hails from Archbishop Alter in Dayton, has crossed paths with Glover before.
“He’s a good guy,” Hicks said last week. “Great linebacker. He’s very versatile. He played free safety in high school. So that shows how rangy he can be. I’m excited to see what he can do on the field.”
For the time being, Glover is at linebacker, and his strong hit power lends itself well to the position. What’s more, his cover skills from his high school days should help him while dropping back in the second level.
Glover — the 10th-rated Ohio prospect in the 2023 class, according to the On3 Industry Ranking — is the 10th Ohio State transfer addition since the portal opened this offseason. Because of an NCAA rule that allows players to leave a program after a coaching change, he’s immediately eligible to play for the Buckeyes. That transition process is already underway.
Storylines to track as Buckeyes ready for second week of camp
Ohio State hit pause on training camp Monday, as the Buckeyes players checked in at the Hyatt Place in Grandview Yard, marking the official start of preseason.
But, really, the Buckeyes are now entering their second week of camp. Things start back up again on Tuesday, and Lettermen Row is outlining three storylines for the next slate of practices.
Of course, the Ohio State quarterback battle remains front and center. But what else of note is going on?
We’ve got you covered. To find out, head on over here.
RELATED
Ohio State behind Michigan in top five of preseason coaches poll
The preseason USA TODAY Sports AFCA football coaches poll came out Monday, and — like the cleveland.com Big Ten preseason media poll — Ohio State clocked in behind rival Michigan.
The Buckeyes are No. 4 nationally, whereas the Wolverines registered their highest-ever ranking in the coaches poll at No. 2. Unsurprisingly, back-to-back national champion Georgia claimed the top spot, and Alabama, which has won three national titles in the College Football Playoff era, is No. 3.
LSU is No. 5, meaning that there are three SEC teams and two Big Ten teams in the top five of this year’s preseason coaches poll.
For the complete Top 25, plus more details about the Big Ten’s representation, go here.
Counting down
Buckeyes vs. Indiana: 25 days
Buckeyes vs. Michigan: 110 days
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