COLUMBUS, Ohio — The adjustments began soon after C.J. Hicks and Gabe Powers arrived at Ohio State in early January. For instance, there was the meeting former linebackers coach Al Washington led in the second week of that month. He was the coach who had recruited those coveted in-state prospects to become Buckeyes. “He was talking about how we’re going to shock the country and show everybody who Ohio State linebackers are,” Hicks said. “The next day, we hear that he’s gone.” Washington was not retained as coach Ryan Day overhauled the defensive staff. Defensive coordinator Jim Knowles oversees the linebackers. That means he is in charge of launching the careers of two players who have been considered essential to elevating the performance in the linebacker group again. Will it happen as early as this season? That may depend on how well other adjustments go between now and this fall.…
Continue Reading: How quickly can Ohio State football’s C.J. Hicks and Gabe Powers help at linebacker?
