The Buckeyes once again should have several NFL prospects to watch for in coverage this fall.
LSU, Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Ohio State; which program is the real "DBU" entering 2023?
In the latest rankings from On3, four of the five programs known for their ability to punch out NFL-caliber talent on the regular were ranked inside the top 10. Entering 2023, Ohio State ranked eighth thanks to the return of Denzel Burke.
And yet, Burke isn’t even guaranteed a starting spot in 2023, as Jordan Hancock and Davison Igbinosun will form a three-man unit that rotates frequently. Former top recruit
Jyaire Brown
is just outside that group but will see snaps as well.
Ohio State saw its nickel-back Tanner McCalister exhaust his eligibility so it brought in Syracuse standout Ja’Had Carter to compete with 2022 backup Cameron Martinez for the job. Carter missed most of the spring with an injury but the three-year starter was awesome for the Orange last season, picking off three passes, scoring a 90-yard fumble return TD and adding 36 tackles. He also provides DC Jim Knowles with nice versatility, as he could see time at safety for the Buckeyes so Knowles can play three of the aforementioned CBs together in some situations. -
Jesse Simonton
Burke, a two-year starter, should remain on the boundary after totaling 34 tackles and five pass breakups. Igbinosun, who transferred from Ole Miss this offseason, should provide stability on the opposing side after a breakout freshman campaign in the SEC West.
Last season, Igbinosun played in 11 games and recorded seven starts. He finished with 37 tackles and five pass breakups, two of which came in the Texas Bowl loss to Texas Tech.
While Martinez has experience working in Jim Knowles' defense, Carter has the on-field experience in terms of reps. He started three seasons under Dino Babers and impressed primarily in zone coverage. Carter also has tallied at least 20 tackles each season since being named a starter in 2020.
Last season, the secondary was often a strength for the Buckeyes. They allowed 200 yards through the air per game on average and only totaled 11 interceptions against 19 touchdowns. Ohio State only allowed 300-plus passing yards twice last season, once coming in a victory over Penn State and the other coming in the College Football Playoff semifinal against eventual national champion Georgia.
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