Brian Hartline claims Ohio State's defensive backs might be the best since he's been with Buckeyes

It’s all about competition in who you face across from you in improving during the course of the offseason. That’s why Brian Hartline is happy that Ohio State has another secondary like they do, specifically this one.

Hartline spoke about the Buckeyes’ defensive backs during a media availability to end last week. He said that his receiving corps is as great as it is because they’re constantly going up against a great collection or corners and safeties each day.

“I think part of coming to Ohio State is iron on iron, iron sharpens iron. That’s a cliché statement but it’s really true,” said Hartline. “I mean it’s two-fold, right. The DBs you go against every day and then the guys in your room? You can’t have a bad day.”

“The combination of both of those is critical. You can’t have one without the other.”

These defensive backs are especially quality, though, according to Hartline. In fact, after eight seasons in Columbus, he thinks that they’re the best overall from over his near decade with the program.

“You know, I think that, you know, I can sing their praises. This is the best corp, I want to say, you know, depth-wise, top of the line-wise, that I think probably I’ve seen since I’ve been here,” stated Hartline. “We’ve had great players, you know, over the last six, seven, eight years. But, as a corp, as a group? You know, the quality of the coaching that’s happening day in and day out, how early these guys are getting to their job description and executing at a high level? It has been different.”

You can just do down the depth chart in the secondary for Ohio State and see name after elite name. That starts with returners at corner in Denzel Burke, Davison Igbinosun, Jordan Hancock, and Jermaine Matthews. There’s also several at safety with Lathan Ransom, Sonny Styles, and Malik Hartford. That then includes their safety additions in the portal such as Caleb Downs, who’s most notable as the top transfer from the offseason cycles, and Keenan Nelson Jr..

The Buckeyes have had nine prospects from the secondary taken in the last eight NFL Drafts, including six first-rounders. Still, with this group and their combination of talent and experience, Hartline can’t think of any that are better to go up against his receivers each practice.

“Can’t say enough about the competition we have day in and day out,” Hartline said.