Ohio State is not lacking leadership from its linebackers

The Ohio State Buckeyes lost four staring linebackers during the offseason. As the season nears, Ohio State is trying to find new leaders among its linebackers. According to Ohio State’s linebackers coach Al Washington, the leadership he has seen from the position has been impressive.

There is still talent remaining among Oho State’s linebackers

Tuf Borland, Pete Werner, Baron Browning and Justin Hilliard have been atop Ohio State’s depth chart at linebacker for the last three years. With all four players now in the NFL, there are plenty of other players that have been waiting for their opportunity.

Teradja Mitchell is one player that is taking advantage of the opportunity for more playing time. Al Washington is happy with how Mitchell has carried himself.

“I think all of them [do it], starting with Teradja,” Washington said. “I think he’s done a great job stepping into a leadership role off the field, taking it upon himself to organize things. And just having more of a voice, which is great to see.”

Mitchell said that the mindset hasn’t changed despite losing some key players and leaders on the defense.

“At Ohio State, we reload,” he said. “You know, it’s next man up. So everybody has that mindset to come in every day and go get a starting job. It’s not just me. It’s not just [second-year linebacker] Cody [Simon]. It is everyone. Everyone has that mindset coming every day.”

Others have emerged as leaders both on and off the field

In addition to Mitchell, Washington noted that K’Vaughan Pope, Tommy Eichenberg and Dallas Gant have really emerged in the linebackers room for Ohio State.

“K’Vaughan Pope is a part of that group, and he has really had a strong push this camp,” Washington said. “He has done a really good job and is really bought in and matured. I’m really proud of him. Tommy Eichenberg, unbelievable. Just a tough kid, accountable kid. Just a person that is showing up. Dallas Gant is another one. Obviously Dallas has been here. And he’s done a really good job of having a great presence for us.

“I don’t want to forget anybody, but there’s been a number of those guys stepping up.”

Losing talent is expected year-to-year in college football, but losing four starters from the linebackers room is a tough blow to Ohio State. Luckily for them, the players in the locker room are hungry and ready to step up and take control of larger roles.