Ohio State Football: 5 potential breakout stars for 2017

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GLENDALE, AZ – DECEMBER 31: Cornerback Gareon Conley #8 of the Ohio State Buckeyes is congratulated by teammates after an interception against the Clemson Tigers during the Playstation Fiesta Bowl at University of Phoenix Stadium on December 31, 2016 in Glendale, Arizona. The Tigers defeated the Buckeyes 31-0. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

Damon Arnette appeared in all 13 games for the Buckeyes last season after redshirting in 2015. He was used sparingly on defense in 2016, only managing 21 tackles and one interception, but what do you expect from a guy competing with three first round draft picks?

Arnette, hailing from the prestigious St. Thomas Aquinas in Florida, is tasked with replacing either Marshon Lattimore (drafted No. 11 overall) or Gareon Conley (drafted No. 28 overall) at defensive back. Malik Hooker (drafted 15th overall) displayed beautifully how to play deep-safety a year ago for the Buckeyes, but Arnette will find greater success on the outside or as a slot defender.

I’m not sure what it is about Ohio State, but there’s always a few players who quietly blow up — and Arnette’s trajectory keeps rising.

If he doesn’t earn starting-corner reps early in the season, Arnette will still be an impact player for coach Urban Meyer. He spent roughly 180 snaps on special teams a year ago, one facet of the game that’s often overlooked.

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