Ohio State opened spring football practice on Tuesday, and while the first day may not provide definite answers about the depth chart, there were some noteworthy developments. Here’s what got my attention during Tuesday’s brief open period:
Styles working with linebackers
This may be the only time I write about practice access this spring, and the linebackers are addressed before the quarterbacks, but Sonny Styles’ work with the linebackers is significant.
Styles, who entered spring football at 6 feet 4 and 235 pounds, played safety at Ohio State for his first two years and was the top safety recruit in the 2022 class. He proved to be a dynamic backup player who could come up and play the run while also providing solid covering.
“We know his skill set is versatile,” Ohio State coach Ryan Day explained. “You will see him at linebacker and also see him do some other things as time goes on.”
Styles stood out as a run stopper last year, and with Tommy Eichenberg and Steele Chambers gone, the concept of moving Styles to linebacker seems reasonable. Tuesday marked the first time we received confirmation of the move. He worked with the linebackers during the open half of practice, giving the Buckeyes a unique lineup.
Cody Simon is the top there and is expected to take Eichenberg’s slot. However, new linebackers coach James Laurinaitis will need to establish a healthy balance between Styles and C.J. Hicks, as Hicks cannot sit on the bench again this season.
They’re likely to share reps at will linebacker, as Chambers and Simon did last year, and they could play together in hybrid formations. We’ll learn more about Ohio State’s plans with Styles on Thursday, when defensive coordinator Jim Knowles speaks to the media.
For the time being, this was a significant development. On paper, Ohio State’s biggest defensive vulnerability was linebacker, but the trio of Styles, Simon, and Hicks has a lot of potential despite the veteran departures. There is inexperience, but the potential is enormous.
