Ohio State football: Projected 2018 two-deep depth chart

Linebackers

Starting outside linebackers: Malik Harrison, Keandre Jones

Backups: Pete Werner, Dante Booker

I’m taking a little bit of a shot with this one. The leaders outside right now seem to be Harrison and Werner, and Booker has the most experience of the bunch. However, I see Jones working his way on to the field, and taking the spot before week three against TCU.

Even if he doesn’t, this unit should be pretty solid. They had some struggles last year, but they’re older, and hopefully better in 2018. Booker has been in and out of Urban Meyer’s doghouse, but if he can stay on the field he’s got tons of talent. Werner looked promising in limited time last year.

With injuries, inconsistency, and some poor coaching, the linebackers really weren’t a strength for Ohio State last season. They struggled greatly against Oklahoma and Iowa, and rarely looked like the silver bullets of old Ohio State defenses.

Inside linebacker starter: Baron Browning

Backup: Tuf Borland, Justin Hilliard

Both were very solid last year in limited time, but I think Browning has the higher ceiling of the two. That’s why I ultimately see him winning the job. Borland suffered an injury in the spring too, so he may not be healthy enough by week one to play.

Either way, the Buckeyes will have a very good player in the middle of their defense. Browning is a former five-star, and one of the most exciting athletes I’ve ever seen at linebacker. Borland is more of a traditional run stuffer, but he was awesome too last year.

Justin Hilliard is the wildcard here. He’s a former five-star recruit, and he’s been on campus for four years now, but he’s never been able to breakthrough because of injuries and talent in front of him. If he manages to win the job, I wouldn’t be shocked to see Browning move to the outside for this year. Either way, all three will likely rotate in the middle.