Jim Knowles addresses question marks in Ohio State safeties room

Ohio State defensive coordinator Jim Knowles has some good pieces to work with as he takes over. Some of those pieces are int he safeties room, where there’s a blend of youth and experience.

Ronnie Hickman and Cody Simon are all back for the 2022 season after helping lead the Buckeyes in tackles last year, along with linebacker Tommy Eichenberg. But Ohio State also added some youth in four-star Kye Stokes — the No. 31 safety in the country from the class of 2022, according to the On3 Consensus, a complete and equally weighted industry-generated average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.

Stokes had nine tackles and two pass breakups during Ohio State’s spring game last month, and Knowles said he could be a player that opens some eyes this year. It sounds like he’ll have the chance to do so, too, especially after Bryson Shaw headed to USC via the transfer portal.

“I think we have some numbers. There’s going to be opportunities for a guy like Kye to have an immediate impact on the depth,” Knowles said. “So it was good to see him make progress. We’re going to need him to step up.”

As for a two-deep, Knowles wasn’t ready to declare one so soon after spring ball. That will likely have to wait until closer to the season, based on Knowles’ answer.

“I think it’s still just a work in progress,” Knowles said. “That’s all I’m going to say.”

Jim Knowles shares update on how CJ Hicks is settling into Ohio State defense

When CJ Hicks decided to attend Ohio State, there was instantly a buzz about him arriving on campus. Hicks enrolled early and went through spring practice for the Buckeyes and has been a big talking point in Colombus, even after spring practice.

New defensive coordinator Jim Knowles, who also coaches linebackers, was asked to update on how Hicks is settling into the Ohio State defense. He said while there are still some things to figure out, Knowles loved a few of the things Hicks is doing.

“He’s still figuring things out because our linebackers are very multiple,” Knowles said. “It’s not just ‘hey, you’re going to this place, you’re doing that. You’re doing a lot of different things.’ Which is good for them when they go to the next level but he’s still figuring things out. When he was able to cut loose and play fast, I was really impressed with his feet, his ability to get from Point A to Point B, and his short space explosiveness. Really impressed with that.”