Ohio State Football: 5 Buckeye Positions To Watch In 2016

The Ohio State football team goes into the summer with a ton of potential. Here’s how some key position groups might shake out before Week 1.

After a disappointing season, where the Buckeyes lost just one game, the 2016 season is being viewed as a rebuilding year. After losing key starters on both sides of the ball, there are many holes to fill. A total of 15 Ohio State players were either drafted or signed as free agents after the draft this year.

Losing stars such as Joey Bosa (3rd Pick San Diego Chargers), Ezekiel Elliot (4th pick Dallas Cowboys) and Braxton Miller (85th pick Houston Texans)  opens up three big impact spots.

The Buckeyes didn’t lose all of their talent, though. OSU has guys coming back by the names of J.T. Barrett, Sam Hubbard, and Tyquan Lewis, who led the team with 8 sacks.

Some of the most noticeable holes that need addressed include the running back position, the offensive line and defensive line, and wide receiver. There is talent at each of these positions but there isn’t much experience, which could come back to hurt this young Buckeyes team.

1. Defensive Front Four

With the loss of names like Adolphus Washington, Tommy Schutt, Joel Hale and of course a guy by the name of Joey Bosa, Ohio State finds themselves in a different position with the guys up front on the defensive side of the ball.

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Despite losing these guys, the Buckeyes do return their top two pass rushers with the return of Tyquan Lewis, who led the team in sacks, and Sam Hubbard who was second on the team with 6.5 sacks.

After these two players, the Buckeyes are going to have a lot of young guys who are inexperienced.

Coach Luke Fickell spoke highly about Nick Bosa, but I don’t see him getting a ton of reps in his first season. I could even see him being red-shirted. I’ve heard that Bosa is further along at this point then his brother Joey was in his first year.

However I do look to see Tracy Sprinkle a red shirt junior to start at tackle along with Michael Hill, another red shirt junior.

Both of these guys have been taking the starting reps during spring practices.

Next: Running Back