COLUMBUS, Ohio – Baron Browning may have taken the lead in the annual bid to become Ohio State’s best football player in the Senior Bowl.
When a reporter first learned of Browning’s senior film earlier this week, Buckeyes’ linebacker coach Al Washington appeared to speak about his departure holder. Washington listed all of Browning’s talents, from rushing the passer to playing in space and covering from man to man.
In Washington’s tweeted opinion, Browning is one of the most versatile linebackers in the NFL’s 2021 Draft.
Back in Columbus, however, the Buckeyes are still looking for a more versatile, long-term response to Browning’s now vacant position in Sam’s linebacker. Browning brought athletics to a more conventional external linebacker look. While some may occasionally mistake you for a gunner, no one would mistake you for a security guard.
If Ohio State coach Ryan Day remains committed to the unique high security approach, Buckeyes need to find that elusive hybrid option to replace Browning. Washington is correct in saying that Browning used to play well by covering opposite tight ends, and he could bring a difficult mentality to defend the race.
Still with a defensive alignment that keeps one of the four defensive defenders in the box, that hybrid option has lasted since Day took over in 2019. At that time, the Buckeyes tried to convert Brendon White from security to that hybrid identity. It turns out that linebacker Pete Werner gave OSU most of what it needed for that role in 2019.
Do any of the 2021 Sam options offer the same promise?
K’Vaughn Pope paid off his debts along with the other two linebackers in the 2018 hiring class. He has built a reputation as an ace in practice and has exhibited him on a few occasions in 2019, intercepting two passes in cleaning time. Pope played slot receiver in his high school days and demonstrated skills with the ball.
• Ohio state football defensive depth forecast for 2021
With Browning and Justin Hilliard dominating Sam’s snapshots last season, few were left for the developing external linebackers. Craig Young played the next snaps with 39 according to the Eleven Warriors tracker, but 29 came in a game against Rutgers.
Young showed his speed as a receiver and race champion in high school. The raw materials are available for the second year to be something more than a conventional linebacker.
However, the most intriguing Sam option this fall remains the one we least viewed as a Buckeye.
Kourt Williams positioned himself to contribute immediately as a true freshman. So this season was completely wiped out by a torn ACL.
• Ohio State Scholarship Chart in 2021
Williams was recruited with a hybrid future in mind. He was also seen practicing as free security last spring. This may fit the preferred development path for the athletes that the OSU wants in Sam, but it’s not like the Buckeyes don’t need help behind the defense either.
If Williams can train this spring, he will be a player who must keep an eye on his long-term promise and his immediate positional need that fits his stills.
The correct answer for the state of Ohio in 2021 could be some combination of all three players. Buckeyes can combine based on down-and-distance situations and opposing personnel packages.
Considering the Buckeyes’ recruitment approach for 2022, the hybrid revolution remains imminent. It can arrive in a real way this fall.
Obtain the Ohio State Sugar Bowl champions and CFP equipment: Check out the shirts, hats and more merchandise that celebrate Ohio State’s Sugar Bowl victory over Clemson, as well as the Buckeyes gear that advance into the College Football Playoff national championship game.
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