Written by Dan Wismar

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A couple of familiar names at safety are gone, but there will still be plenty of experience in the Buckeyes' defensive secondary this fall, with two seniors returning as starters at the cornerback positions, and two four-year players back at safety. Corners Chimdi Chekwa and Devon Torrence have three years of starting experience between them, and they'll again be keys to a Buckeye pass defense that was 2nd in the Big Ten and 13th in the nation against the pass a year ago.

Replacing 2009 safeties Anderson Russell and Kurt Coleman is perhaps the biggest challenge for the OSU defense in 2010, but the move of last year's Star back Jermale Hines to free safety, combined with the emergence of 3rd-year sophomore Orhian Johnson should make that transition relatively painless. Replacing Hines in the hybrid Star role (nickel back) will be Tyler Moeller, like Hines a converted linebacker, and another veteran presence for the Buckeye secondary.

Defensive backfields all over college football would love to be lining up behind the kind of front seven that coordinator Jim Heacock puts on the field with some regularity for Ohio State, so when you look at pass defense statistics, you have to keep in mind it's an 11-man job. But some numbers from last year give a sense of the job the secondary did for OSU.

As a team, Ohio State allowed just 10 touchdown passes in 13 games, and collected 24 interceptions, which tied for second in the FBS (Texas, 25). The Bucks finished second to Iowa in the conference, allowing 171.5 passing yards per game, and they led the Big Ten in preventing 3rd down conversions, allowing just a 30.9% conversion rate. Take that ability to frustrate opposing passers, and consider it in tandem with the stout OSU rushing defense (90.77 ypg, 7th in FBS) and the pass defense stats look even better.

(One quick aside: As evidence that taking just one team stat in isolation can be misleading, consider that the top-ranked team in the FBS in passing yards allowed per game in 2009 was Eastern Michigan, a team that went 0-12. There's no need to pass against a team this bad....they were 120th, dead last, against the run, at 276 yards per game allowed.) (2009 NCAA stats)



Stockpiling Talent

Having lost just three contributors from last year's roster of 17 DB's, the Buckeyes are as deep as ever behind the starters in the secondary. As the #3 cornerback, sophomore Travis Howard is a special talent, and if he's over his injury problems, he's good enough to keep the starters on their toes trying to hold him off. And Donnie Evege is now in his fourth year in the program, and is showing he can make plays at corner as well as on special teams.

Redshirt freshmen Corey Brown and Dominic Clarke will undoubtedly have to pay dues on special teams before they get a shot at playing time from scrimmage, but the Bucks are well-protected with this kind of talent six-deep on the cornerback depth chart. Add to that enviable depth two promising true freshmen corners, Christian Bryant and Bradley Roby, and the long term picture brightens even further. And it looks now as if freshman Adam Griffin, a local kid with some kind of OSU connection, will also be working at cornerback as a first-year player.

The backups at safety range from the veterans, senior Aaron Gant and junior Nate Oliver, to the promising youngsters C.J. Barnett and Jamie Wood. Third-year man Zach Domicone has already made a contribution as a special-teamer, and incoming freshman Chad Hagan combines great size with above average speed.


These Guys Are Big

One notable feature of the 2010 OSU safeties is their overall size as compared to a year ago. With Hines (6' 1", 215), Moeller (6' 0", 210) and Johnson (6' 2", 203) as the projected starters in the nickel defense, the Buckeyes are featuring two guys who were listed as linebackers a year ago, and there is a legitimate concern that they might not match up well in coverage with some very quick and fast multiple receiver groups that opponents may throw at them.

It's not a problem until it becomes a problem, but you can be sure that there will be some experimentation with other options at the nickel back in some of those situations. A player with more speed and coverage skills, like Travis Howard, or Jamie Wood, or C.J. Barnett might replace Moeller in some of those matchups. Just something to keep your eye on.


Success Breeds Success

Recruiting some of the nation's best defensive backs has become an ongoing success story for the OSU coaching staff (you can read more about how the DB depth chart looks a couple years out here). Much of the credit for the recent success of Buckeye DB's has to go to position coaches Taver Johnson (cornerbacks) and Paul Haynes (safeties), and of course to Defensive Coordinator Jim Heacock, in addition to the whole recruiting team. But the tradition of great DB's at Ohio State predates the current assistant coaches.

You've got to recruit above average raw talent in order to develop great college football players, but we've seen often enough how the former doesn't necessarily lead to the latter. For whatever reasons, Ohio State has been able to produce NFL-caliber players, and especially so at the defensive back positions. It's no coincidence then, that the most talented high school defensive backs want to be offered by the Buckeyes.


It's a Family Tradition...

Down through the years, Ohio State has churned out NFL defensive backs like Kellogg's makes corn flakes. The list of former Buckeye cornerbacks in the NFL is studded with stars like Antoine Winfield, Nate Clements, Shawn Springs, Chris Gamble, and Malcolm Jenkins...and those are just a few of the big names. From Ahmed Plummer to Ashton Youboty to Donald Washington to former walk-on Antonio Smith, NFL scouts know that Ohio State cornerbacks are capable of playing at the pro level if they've made it as starters in Columbus.

At safety, the big time NFL success stories from OSU are a couple of decades older....they haven't turned out a Jack Tatum or a Neil Colzie or a Tim Fox for a while....but in Mike Doss, Donte Whitner, Will Allen, and Donnie Nickey, OSU safeties since 2000 have still earned more in NFL paychecks than the GDP's of several third world countries. Kurt Coleman will likely be adding to those numbers this fall as the deep OSU tradition of producing NFL defensive backs rolls on.

I'd wager a dollar or two that several of the current OSU Buckeyes on the lists below will eventually play on Sundays too...but let's not get ahead of ourselves.

Fasten your seatbelts and pack a lunch....there's a whole bunch of DB's to talk about....



Cornerbacks



Chimdi Chekwa - #5 - Senior   6' 0"  190 lbs.    (Clermont, FL)  East Ridge H.S.

Chekwa was one of Jim Tressel's under-the-radar recruits in 2007, and after a redshirt year in 2006, he contributed as the nickel back in 2007, and has been a starter at corner since 2008. Playing opposite All-American Malcolm Jenkins as a sophomore, Chekwa was targeted by every opposing passer, but he more than held his own, and now has a chance for some post-season honors for himself. He was honorable mention all-conference a year ago.

Chekwa led the Buckeyes in passes broken up last year with seven, and he has three career interceptions. He came in for some criticism after the OSU corners were victimized downfield in the Iowa game in 2009, and at times he would do well to disengage from the receiver and make more plays on the football in the air. But big plays in the passing game have been few and far between for OSU opponents during the two years Chekwa has been a starting cornerback in Columbus. He's showing up on everybody's preseason All-Big Ten lists for 2010, and is being counted on as one of the defensive leaders for the Bucks.

Scout page - Rivals page

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Devon Torrence - #10 - Senior   6' 1"  200 lbs.    (Canton, OH)  South H.S.

The two-sport star was a bit of a late bloomer for OSU, after he played at wide receiver as a freshman, and for two years split time between Ohio State football and a pro baseball career in the Astros organization. He showed promise after converting to cornerback in 2008, and then took over as the starter in the third game of 2009, and started the final ten games of the season. He had 35 tackles on the year and added two forced fumbles and two interceptions. His end zone pick of Tate Forcier in the fourth quarter last year in Ann Arbor pretty much ended the Wolverines' chances for a late comeback.

Torrence has great size for a corner and is one of the best pure athletes on the OSU roster. A year of experience in the system for Torrence takes what was one of the defensive question marks a year ago and turns it into a team strength for 2010. 

Scout page - Rivals page

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Travis Howard - #18 - R-Sophomore   6' 0" 188 lbs. (Miami, FL) Dr. Michael M. Krop H.S.

The old Satchel Paige quote, "don't look back...someone might be gaining on you" could apply to the starting cornerbacks for the Buckeyes this fall. Although Travis Howard has been troubled by injuries in his first two years in the program, and fans have seen him on the field only in very limited action, the redshirt sophomore from Miami reportedly has all the ability to emerge as the next standout cornerback in Columbus. He sat out spring ball this year recovering from a minor surgical procedure, but he comes into fall workouts as the favorite to be the third cornerback for Coach Taver Johnson. With two seniors starting, the hope is that Howard will have plenty of opportunities for playing time this season with an eye toward gaining valuable experience for 2011.

Scout page - Rivals page

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Donnie Evege - #30 - Junior    5' 11"  189 lbs.  (Huber Hts., OH)  Wayne H.S.

The proving ground for OSU defensive backs is on special teams, and Donnie Evege did a lot of proving in 2009 for the Buckeyes, with 14 tackles on coverage units in his first significant playing time at Ohio State. A two-way standout at running back and defensive back in high school, Evege has always possessed above average speed, but he has worked hard at getting stronger in three years in the program at OSU, and began turning heads last season with consistently strong play-making at cornerback. Several players singled out Evege as one of the most improved Buckeyes this spring. He'll continue to make the hits on kick coverage in 2010, and he should have opportunities to help out on defense in the regular cornerback rotation.

Scout page - Rivals page

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Dominic Clarke - #28 - R-Freshman    5' 10"  168 lbs.    (Frederick, MD) Tuscarora H.S.

Clarke redshirted in 2009 and will probably be limited mostly to special teams duty this season. He's a little smaller than the prototype OSU cornerbacks, but the coaches have been impressed with how smooth he is in coverage, and he has elite speed. After having success a few years ago in recruiting a lesser-known cornerback from the DC/Maryland area named Malcolm Jenkins, the OSU staff is hoping lightning strikes a second time for them with Clarke. It's unlikely that question will be answered in 2010, but OSU fans should get their first look at another good young defensive back as he tries to make a splash on special teams.

Scout page - Rivals page

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Corey Brown - #3 - R-Freshman    6' 1"  185 lbs.   (Monroeville, PA) Gateway H.S.

Brown was considered one of the blue-chippers in the 2009 recruiting class, showing as much promise as a wide receiver as he did as a defensive back. Brown was named to the Army All-American Game after his senior year at Gateway, and had a spectacular leaping touchdown catch in that game. Like Clarke, he redshirted his first year in 2009 while he continued to learn the cornerback position. He's an aggressive, physical player with long arms and great leaping ability. His athleticism and versatility make him a likely special teams contributor for the 2010 Buckeyes, and it wouldn't surprise anyone if he were to make a big move up in the depth chart at cornerback as the season goes along. Played high school ball with OSU linebacker Dorian Bell.

Scout page - Rivals page

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Christian Bryant - #2 - Freshman  5' 9", 173   (Cleveland, OH)  Glenville H.S.

Bryant was a true jack of all trades for Coach Ginn at Glenville, playing at quarterback, wide receiver and defensive back and also handling the punting and kicking for the Tarblooders. He was rated the nation's #8 cornerback prospect by Scout, and #10 by Rivals before committing to the Buckeyes. With six more experienced cornerbacks ahead of him on the depth chart, it seems unlikely he'll see the field at corner, but his speed and versatility could get him a look with the kick return units. A safer bet would be a redshirt year with a focus on getting stronger.

Scout page - Rivals page

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Bradley Roby - #25 - Freshman  5' 11", 176   (Suwanee, GA) Peachtree Ridge H.S.

Roby was an early commit to Vanderbilt, but when the bigger SEC programs started to get a look at his film the offers started coming in bunches, and Roby re-opened his recruitment process. He attended the same school as OSU's Cameron Heyward, and reportedly some family connections there played a major role in getting Roby to take a look at OSU as a possible college destination. He had played primarily as a wide receiver and return man in high school until his senior year, and it wasn't until the OSU staff saw him at defensive back that they decided to offer him a scholarship. The coaches are excited about his natural ability at corner...great speed, loose hips, good feet, and explosive hitting. May be a real sleeper.

Scout page - Rivals page

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Adam Griffin - #9 - Freshman   5' 7", 178  (Columbus, OH) St. Francis DeSales H.S.

Another versatile athlete who rarely came off the field at the high school level, working at running back, defensive back and kick returner. Griffin made second team all-state after rolling up an impressive 1736 all-purpose yards. He's a bit undersized compared to his competition for playing time at Ohio State. But come to think of it, so was his dad, and that turned out pretty well.

Scout page - Rivals page

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Safeties


Jermale Hines - #7 - Senior   6' 1"  215 lbs.   (Cleveland, OH)  Glenville H.S.

The only problem with having Jermale Hines at the Star (hybrid LB/Safety) position last year for the OSU defense was that coordinator Jim Heacock plays with five defensive backs on only about half the snaps...which meant that Hines wasn't on the field for the other half. After watching Hines still manage to rank fourth on the team in total tackles and make a number of big plays for the Buckeyes, the OSU coaches decided that this was not the optimal arrangement for 2010. They weren't about to bench Ross Homan or Brian Rolle, so Hines will become the free safety for the 2010 season, and the coaches can take comfort that the talented senior from Glenville will be one of their eleven defenders on a full time basis. Jim Tressel made it very clear in comments this week in Chicago that Hines will not be used in his former role at Star, so he can focus on the new responsibilities at safety.

How the experiment of playing a converted linebacker at free safety will turn out is of course yet to be determined, but the coaches must feel the pluses outweigh the minuses. Hines had 57 tackles, including 3.5 TFL and one sack, plus two interceptions last year in his limited time on the field, and whatever limitations he may demonstrate in coverage ability or familiarity with the new position, they're betting he'll make up for it with his rare blend of range, speed, length, tackling prowess and toughness. I looked around the Big Ten for a guy I'd rather have playing free safety....no luck.

Scout page - Rivals page

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Orhian Johnson - #19 - R-Sophomore   6' 2"  203 lbs.  (Gulfport, FL)  Boca Ciega H.S.

Johnson is the one projected starter on defense for the 2010 Buckeyes who is still relatively unknown to the fans and the national media. Last year's senior safeties rarely left the field, so Johnson will be making his first impression on most of Buckeye Nation when he takes the field at safety in the Marshall game. O.J. is similar to Hines in his size, overall athleticism, and long wingspan. He is a former all-state player as a high school quarterback, and starred in basketball as well. He doesn't seem quite as physical as Hines as a tackler (who is?), but he looks to be a bit faster and better in coverage. Johnson took a redshirt year in 2008, so he's entering his third year in the program, and is beginning to play more instinctively as his comfort level with the system increases. There will surely be some mistakes that come with inexperience, but his position coach Paul Haynes is sure he's got the right guy in the job.

Scout page - Rivals page

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Tyler Moeller - #26 - Junior   6' 0"  210   (Cincinnati, OH)  Colerain H.S.

By now most OSU fans are familiar with the story of how Tyler Moeller lost his 2009 OSU football season. For any who aren't familiar, a couple of links should get you caught up. Moeller was the favorite a year ago to take over the strongside linebacker position before the little matter of brain surgery intervened to slow him down. When he returned this spring he was working at safety, and with Hines' shift to a full time safety spot, Moeller became the obvious choice to take over in the role of Star back in Heacock's defense. That plan was confirmed by Tressel in interviews this week, with the obvious disclaimer that it depends on Moeller's complete recovery and continued good health.

Moeller's calling cards have been his relentlessness as a tackler and a knack for blitzing and disruption in the offensive backfield. But the Star back has pass coverage responsibilities as well...that's the main reason for having a fifth defensive back on the field after all...and it remains to be seen how well Moeller's position change experiment will work out in that area. But just his presence on the field for the Buckeyes this year should provide an emotional lift for his teammates. You don't have to be a Buckeye fan to be rooting for Tyler Moeller this fall.

Scout page - Rivals page

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Nate Oliver - #20 - Junior    6' 0"  215 lbs.  (Lakewood, OH)  St. Edward H.S.

With Moeller not taking part in full contact work this spring, the coaches were trying out a number of players in the role of nickel back, and Oliver, the fourth-year junior from St. Ed's, was one of the guys they turned to. The former all-state selection has been a regular contributor on special teams since 2008. He played in ten games last year, and had six tackles. He's listed as a backup at free safety, but some playing time at Star is more likely, as is a continued role on kick coverage teams. Oliver wore #15 last year, but is changing to #20 for 2010.

Scout page - Rivals page

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Aaron Gant - #8 - Senior   6' 0"  206 lbs.  (Orchard Lake, MI)  St. Mary's H.S.

Gant is entering his fifth year in the program after taking a redshirt year in 2009 and undergoing two knee surgeries. He worked his way into the two-deep at safety as a true freshman in 2006, but hasn't been able to crack the starting lineup since. He's a three-year letterman and a reliable special teams tackler, and he's still looking to contribute on defense as he finishes out his OSU career in 2010.

Scout page - Rivals page

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C.J. Barnett - #4 - Sophomore    6' 0"  190 lbs.  (Clayton, OH)  Northmont H.S.

It says something about the talent and potential of C.J. Barnett that with all the experienced safeties on the OSU roster, the coaches played Barnett as a true freshman in 2009, and have him listed as the top backup to Hines at free safety going into his sophomore season. From the same high school program that produced Kurt Coleman for the Bucks, Barnett was named first team all-state and selected for the Under Armour All-American game as a senior. He can play either cornerback or safety, and 2010 could be the year he makes his presence felt in the OSU defensive backfield, either in the safety rotation, or as an option at the Star spot. Barnett is also switching jersey numbers this year...taking over Coleman's #4.

Scout page - Rivals page

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Zach Domicone - #16 - R-Sophomore    6' 3"  211 lbs.    Beavercreek (OH) H.S.

Domicone was the quarterback on his high school team, but it was the combination of great size and speed that caught the attention of schools like Nebraska and Oklahoma, who were coming after Domicone to play safety before he committed to the Buckeyes. He redshirted his first year, and then saw his first action on special teams last year, making four tackles and recovering a fumble in the Minnesota game. He'll be most visible on kick coverage teams this fall, while he tries to work his way up the depth chart at safety.

Scout page - Rivals page

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Jamie Wood - #21 - R-Freshman;  6' 1"  198 lbs.   Pickerington (OH) Central H.S.

Wood was one of the nation's top safety prospects in 2009, making first team all-state and being selected for the Army All-American Game. He took a redshirt year last season, so he'll be making his Buckeye debut this fall, and he's listed as a backup to Orhian Johnson going into the 2010 season. He's also one of several DB's to get a look at the Star position this spring, as the coaches experiment with different options for the nickel back.

Scout page - Rivals page

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Chad Hagan - #23 - Freshman    6' 0"  230   (Canonsburg, PA) Canon-McMillan H.S.

Hagan is the only incoming freshman safety this fall (Verlon Reed is apparently going to be tried at wide receiver instead of safety) and it was partly his unique size/speed combination that got the attention of schools like Michigan and Wisconsin, who were OSU's competition to land this second team all-state prospect from Pennsylvania. Hagan had to have a surgical procedure on his heart when doctors discovered a rare and potentially dangerous condition in the course of an unrelated medical exam. The number of names above his on this list is probably reason enough to assume a redshirt year for Hagan, but the need to make absolutely sure of his physical health almost guarantees it.

Scout page - Rivals page

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Other articles in this series of position group previews for the 2010 Buckeyes:

Running Backs

Linebackers

Offensive Line



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Photo credits:

Lucy Nicholson - Reuters
Darla Dunkle-Hudnell - Buckeye Times
Gary Housteau - Bucknuts.com
Marvin Fong - Plain Dealer
Josh Winslow