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INDIANAPOLIS — A behind-the-scenes video clip released in the aftermath of Ohio State’s national championship last month offered a snapshot of Emeka Egbuka’s savviness as a receiver.
It showed Egbuka proposing the Buckeyes run a go route against Notre Dame cornerback Christian Gray late in the College Football Playoff final.
While reviewing a previous play on a tablet on the sideline at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Egbuka pointed out Gray was using inside leverage, an alignment that might allow for them to break toward the perimeter if their receivers took a route deep.
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – FEBRUARY 28: Emeka Egbuka #WO12 of Ohio State speaks to the media during the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 28, 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
Star freshman Jeremiah Smith later lined up across from Gray during the fourth quarter and did as much, getting past him for a 56-yard completion that sealed their 34-23 win over the Irish.
As he reflected on the moment during the NFL scouting combine on Friday, Egbuka said his film study in the days ahead of kickoff made him aware of the tendency from Gray and other defensive backs.
“The entire week I saw the inside leverage they were playing with,” Egbuka said. “Their entire cornerback room. I knew that they were going to be a little softer, a little more zone coverage, in the national championship game, but when the game’s on the line, you go back to what you’re used to and what you know.”
Egbuka stressed that was man coverage, something the Irish used at least 80% of the time last season, he added.
“They were going to bet on themselves,” he said, “and go man coverage.”
It was an approach the Buckeyes, who oozed with talent at receiver, welcomed.
“With that type of leverage, with the people we have on…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/article/emeka-egbuka-called-jeremiah-smiths-213214586.html
Author : The Columbus Dispatch
Publish date : 2025-02-28 21:32:00
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