COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio State football could consider itself fortunate that it progressed through the entire 2019 season with little reliance on its depth in the secondary. A few possessions here, a spot start there. The Buckeyes’ core four of Jeff Okudah, Damon Arnette, Shaun Wade and Jordan Fuller played the vast majority of the secondary’s meaningful snaps. The steep drop-off in proven skill and experience from those four future pros to their reserves arguably did not impact a game until the Fiesta Bowl. Now, as those former backups elevate into starting roles, they’ll do so with potentially an even flimsier safety net. Last week’s dismissals of Amir Riep and Jahsen Went impacted the Buckeyes’ veteran depth at defensive back. Prior to the dismissals, new defensive coordinator Kerry Coombs said he expected a rotation similar to the one OSU used during his six seasons as cornerbacks coach under Urban Meyer.…
Continue Reading: Can Ohio State football’s young defensive backs offset the recent hit to the Buckeyes’ depth?
