Ryan Day updates progress of developing depth at cornerback position

It won’t be easy for Ohio State to replace two starting cornerbacks this year. But Ryan Day doesn’t sound too concerned as updated how the Buckeyes are developing depth at the position.

Sevyn Banks hit the transfer portal while Ryan Watts transferred to Texas, leaving Ohio State with some question marks at cornerback. On top of that, the Buckeyes lost Lejond Cavazos to the portal this week.

But prior to Cavazos’ decision to transfer, Day said Ohio State has some playmakers who can step up without Banks and Watts. While they leave some voids on defense, there are opportunities for the younger players to start making an impact.

“Anytime you lose two really good players on the outside like that, that’s a lot of production to replace,” Day said. “And while guys are talented, they’re going to have to step up and make those plays. Those are two players that made a lot of clutch catches and you counted on them to make really tough plays and third downs and when it mattered most.

“We think that we have some really good candidates to go push forward, to be those types of guys, but we’ll see. It’s going to take a lot of hard work. … It’s going to take time and it’s going to kind of develop throughout the season. But I think we do have some really talented guys in that room and the depth is being built.”

The Buckeyes have three particular players who can develop and fill those roles. Cam Brown, Denzel Burke and Jordan Hancock are all players who can make an impact and lead the Ohio State secondary in 2022 and beyond. Brown had 731 tackles while Burke added 458, while rising sophomore Hancock is likely to see an increased role, as well.

Pair of Ohio State defensive backs hit transfer portal

Two Ohio State defensive backs — Lejond Cavazos and Bryson Shaw — hit the transfer portal this week, according to On3’s Matt Zenitz.

Cavazos entered the portal April 4. Spending the past two seasons with head coach Ryan Day, Cavazos will be looking for more playing time going forward.

He played in 12 games during his time in Columbus, with 11 of them coming during the 2021 season. The defensive back was not able to gain a start but contributed eight tackles throughout the year. He also defended two passes, with one coming against the Minnesota Golden Gophers and Michigan State Spartans.

Shaw also entered the portal April 4. Starting in 12 of the 13 games last season for the Buckeyes, Shaw was a key member of the defense for former defensive coordinator Kerry Coombs. Shaw recorded 59 tackles and 0.5 tackles for a loss while defending four passes and having an interception against the Michigan Wolverines.