Ohio State Buckeyes 2015 Spring Game: Five things we learned

Jan 10, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes safety Erick Smith (1) during practice in preparation for the CFP National Championship at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

This is a Classic Ohio State Defense

We keep talking about the skill players and the quarterback competition with the Buckeyes. But what has been true for a while and what showed on Saturday is just how loaded the defense is. The depth has already been discussed. Let’s talk about the playmakers.

Nick Conner, Sam Hubbard, and Erick Smith are all studs. Conner is a first-year linebacker who immediately made an impact, recording seven tackles, one tackle for a loss, a forced fumble, and an interception. Meyer never shies away from playing young guys, and Conner could be next.

Sam Hubbard, meanwhile, did not produce anything as a freshman, but settling into a role at defensive end, he had four tackles, two sacks, a fumble recovery, and two passes broken up. Here’s another guy who could play immediately.

Finally, Erick Smith is entering his sophomore year, and he was one guy who did see some action last year. The sophomore safety picked up two interceptions in the game. But these aren’t the only guys.

There were playmakers on both teams defensively, and it is blatantly clear that Meyer is unlikely to have any problems on that side of the ball going into this year.

Next: The Game Meant Almost Nothing