College Football: Who’s the new DBU?
Ohio State
Number of DBS in the NFL: 11
Number of projected NFL starters: 8
Notable players: Malcolm Jenkins, Eli Apple, Kurt Coleman, Vonn Bell, Gareon Conley, Malik Hooker, Marson Lattimore, Bradley Roby
Unlike the other schools profiled in this piece, Ohio State is a relatively new contender for the DBU moniker. Since Urban Meyer became OSU’s head coach in 2012, the team has become a virtual breeding ground for future first round NFL talent, especially in the defensive secondary.
Ohio State has had six defensive backs taken in the first two rounds of the draft since 2014. That includes three first round picks in 2016 alone. This unprecedented draft class could find virtually the entire OSU defensive backfield starting games in the NFL only one season removed from their last season in Columbus.
Related Story: Ohio State Football: How can the Buckeyes replace Marshon Lattimore?
Much like Florida, Ohio State often deploys its defense in a pro-style 4-3 formation. Typically, Meyer and current defensive coordinator Greg Schiano ask their cornerbacks to play both press and off coverage. They also utilize a mixture of single high man coverage and cover 3 with some zone concepts sprinkled in.
The secondary’s ability to blanket opposing receivers is absolutely essential for the Buckeye’s defense to operate at a high level. OSU typically only rushes its four down lineman, so without expert coverage from the team’s back seven there is no way Ohio State would be able to get consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
It’s entirely possible that future star NFL linemen like Joey Bosa, Adolphis Washington and Noah Spence may not have put up the kind of numbers they did in college without the help of OSU’s defensive backfield.
Who’s next?
Going into the 2017 season, OSU will need to replace three of its star defensive backs, but Buckeye fans shouldn’t be too worried. After splitting reps on the outside in 2016, junior standout Denzel Ward looks primed to take over for the departed Marshon Lattimore. Ward possesses the size, length and 4.3 speed that NFL squads covet from the cornerback positions and could ultimately become the next member of a prestigious collection of first round OSU DBs in the NFL.
In addition to Ward, Ohio State has amassed a collection of top high school recruits to further replenish their defensive backfield for years to come. Players like Kendell Sheffield, Shaun Ward, Erick Smith and Jordan Fuller all have the potential to ascend up Schiano’s depth chart and eventual become stars in their own right.
While Ohio State does boast an impressive portfolio of secondary starters in the NFL, expect this number to grow exponentially in the coming years.