Ohio State Football: Projected 2-deep depth chart for 2017

3 of 7

GLENDALE, AZ – DECEMBER 31: Chris Worley #35 of the Ohio State Buckeyes gestures prior to the start of the 2016 PlayStation Fiesta Bowl against the Clemson Tigers at University of Phoenix Stadium on December 31, 2016 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) /

Linebackers

Starting middle linebacker: Chris Worley
Backup: Justin Hilliard

Remember when I said the defensive line was likely the best unit on the team? Well, the linebackers aren’t too far behind. The middle linebacker position is anchored by one of the best at this level in senior Chris Worley. He’s back with starting experience under his belt after ranking fourth on the team with 69 tackles in 2016. He also had 4.5 for loss.

How do you back up a potential All-Big Ten candidate at middle linebacker? Sophomore Justin Hilliard is talented enough to do so adequately. He played sparingly as a freshman, finishing with just four tackles, but he’s patiently awaiting his turn in the middle.

Starting outside linebackers: Jerome Baker, Dante Booker
Backups: Baron Browning, Malik Harrison

Junior Jerome Baker will retake his spot as a starting outside linebacker and he will be joined by first-year starter, and senior, Dante Booker. Baker was second on the team in tackles, 83, last season while finishing with 9.5 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks and two interceptions — one he returned for a touchdown. Booker, on the other hand, was injured in the first game of the season last year and missed the final three months.

Baron Browning is a name to remember. The freshman linebacker was a five-star recruit in the Buckeyes’ 2017 class and projects to be the next big star on the defensive side of the ball. He can play middle linebacker, but his quickest road to the field is on the outside. Sophomore Malik Harrison will also be in that rotation along with Keandre Jones.

Home/Ohio State Buckeyes