Ohio State Football: 5 breakout candidates for Buckeyes in 2019

Ohio State Football: 5 surprise breakout candidates for Buckeyes in 2019

COLUMBUS, OH - NOVEMBER 24: Chris Olave #17, K.J. Hill #14 and Jahsen Wint #23 of the Ohio State Buckeyes, celebrate after Olave blocked a Michigan Wolverines punt in the third quarter and Ohio State scored a touchdown at Ohio Stadium on November 24, 2018 in Columbus, Ohio. Ohio State defeated Michigan 62-39. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images) /

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COLUMBUS, OH – NOVEMBER 24: Quarterback Shea Patterson #2 of the Michigan Wolverines passes in the first quarter against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium on November 24, 2018 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images) /

The Buckeyes lost two key players on the defensive line. Defensive end Nick Bosa was drafted No. 2 overall to the San Francisco 49ers and defensive tackle Dre’Mont Jones was selected No. 71 overall to the Denver Broncos.

Chase Young is expected to replace Bosa’s production off the edge, but someone needs to step up and replace Jones’ presence inside. Davon Hamilton is expected to be that guy.

Replacing Jones will not be easy, but Hamilton certainly appears ready for the challenge. Hamilton at 6-foot-4 and 300 pounds has nearly an identical frame to Jones who is 6-foot-3 and 295 pounds.

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The senior defensive tackle has all the physical tools necessary to become an elite force in the middle for the Buckeyes.

One thing Hamilton will need to improve is his pass rushing. Currently he has never recorded a full sack by himself. He had 0.5 sacks in 2016 and 2017.

Look for Hamilton to become a force in the middle with one of the best assistants in the country, Larry Johnson, coaching him.

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