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Here are five things we learned from the first week of Ohio State’s spring practice:
Jim Knowles could diversify the defense
For as much as Knowles has had a reputation for being a mad scientist, devising imaginative schemes, he simplified the defense last year.
It was partly a response to the explosive plays that crippled the Buckeyes in losses late in 2022.
But Knowles appears set to experiment a bit more this spring as he prepares for his third season as defensive coordinator.
Ohio State defensive coordinator Jim Knowles is considering installing a package akin to the double-eagle flex.
Following the second practice on Thursday, he mentioned the possibility of installing a package akin to the double-eagle flex.
To use the five-man front once popularized by Arizona’s “Desert Swarm” defense three decades ago, he proposed lining up Jack Sawyer and J.T. Tuimoloau as outside linebackers with three defensive linemen.
“If we’re strong inside,” Knowles said, “those guys can become more multiple.”
The idea is rooted in handling heavy personnel.
When the Buckeyes have faced bigger groupings in recent seasons, they have varied from their 4-2-5 base defense by swapping a safety for an extra linebacker in a 4-3 alignment.
In Knowles’ mind, another option in those situations would be to add fifth lineman instead of the third linebacker.
The continuity on that side of the ball, as the Buckeyes returned most of their nucleus from last season, figures to provide more opportunities to add variety.
The quarterback competition looks compelling
Devin Brown projected confidence last Monday when he met with reporters on the eve of spring practice.
He dismissed those who expect he will transfer as “cowards” and asserted he would compete for the Buckeyes’ starting quarterback job “no matter what.”
In the limited windows…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/5-things-learned-first-week-100744039.html
Author : The Columbus Dispatch
Publish date : 2024-03-11 10:07:44
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