COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio State’s new defensive coordinator Jim Knowles also serves as the team’s linebackers coach, yet he’s not shy about boasting a “safety-driven” defensive philosophy. Knowles’ typical 4-2-5 formation utilizes three safety positions — adjuster, bandit and nickel — and strives for the type of versatility that can combat modern college football offenses. It’s what allowed Knowles to develop a top-five defense at Oklahoma State last season. “When you adjust to the college game and how spread (offenses are) and all the speed that’s on the field, you need to be multiple in your disguises, looks, coverages, where safeties fit in the run game,” Knowles said last week. “And in order to do that, you need a bunch of fast, athletic guys out there who are also willing to hit and be physical. That’s why I think the development of the safety position within the scheme is so…
Continue Reading: Ohio State should have options at suddenly crowded safety position
