Jim Knowles explains the decision to play safety Lathan Ransom as much as he did

Junior safety Lathan Ransom earned some impromptu extra reps down the stretch in Ohio State‘s season-opening victory over Notre Dame last Saturday thanks to his stellar play protecting the Buckeye’s back end.

“We saw that in him all camp,” Knowles said following Ohio State’s win over Notre Dame. “I like to say he’s one of those guys that can see the forest, through the trees, and then he’s able to read the play and react with speed. Wwhen you have a safety group of safeties who can do that, It fixes a lot of problems. What you guys don’t see, all the shifts, the motions or the pulls, when you play in this system as a safety, you’re the guy that’s fitting that.

“I think it’s just really worked out well with Lathan and because that’s his talent. I mean, his talent is seeing a play, diagnosing and reacting. He’s not afraid to get after it and take the shot, and that’s a big deal.”

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While Ransom saw minimal production as a true freshman, he appeared in 12 games for the Buckeyes in 2021 where he put together 38 total tackles (21 solo) with five passes successfully defended. He also earned one sack and forced a fumble as well.

Add that to a strong fall camp, and Ransom earned his spot on the field over other talented defensive backs. As the Buckeyes move into the meat of their season in the coming weeks, Ransom could find himself starting sooner rather than later if he plays his cards right.

“We have a lot of good players, so I mean, Lathan seemed hot, that’s kind of how I do it,” Knowles said. “We we like to have guys game-ready – we felt he was game ready. When a guy’s game ready and he gets a shot and gets in there, then you just start playing the hot hand. You go with what works and that’s what we did with Lathan.”