Zach Harrison: Ohio State must improve on defense in 2021

Ohio State’s defense took a big step backwards last season statistically. As the Buckeyes transition to a new quarterback, it will be important for the defense to hold up better than it did a year ago. A big part of that will be the development of the defensive line. Third-year defensive lineman Zach Harrison knows that the pressure is on the defense to improve off of its down season.

Harrison: We didn’t live up to the standard we set on defense

In 2019, Ohio State’s defense allowed just 13.7 points per game. The Buckeyes allowed 156 pass yards, 259.7 total yards per game. They also allowed 3.1 20+ yard plays and averaged 3.86 sacks a game. Last season, Ohio State took a step backwards in each of those categories. They allowed 25.8 points, 304 pass yards, 401.6 total yards and 5.4 20+ yard plays per game. The Buckeyes also dropped down to 2.63 sacks per game.

If Ohio State wants to continue its recent history of contending at the highest level, improvement on defense is vital. Harrison knows that.

“There’s a standard set here by the players in the past,” Harrison said on the Big Ten Network’s Fall tour. “Last year, we didn’t live up to that standard. A lot of the guys are returning, and we know that we have to get better in all aspects of the defense. The d-line has been focusing on getting pressure. Or not getting pressures but turning those pressures into sacks. DBs and linebackers and the back seven focus on contesting passes downfield and just making it harder for offenses to make big plays on us.”

Individually, Harrison has focused on studying film throughout the preseason

The Buckeyes have a few young freshmen joining the defensive front this season. So far, Harrison has liked what he has seen from the group.

“They’re getting better every day and it’s fun to watch,” Harrison said. “The first day they got here, they were doing freshman things and struggling. And they still are, they’re freshman. But they’re making more plays now and they’re playing a lot better.”

Individually, Harrison knows that he has room for improvement. In 2019, he totaled 24 tackles and 3.5 sacks. Last season, he totaled 14 tackles with two sacks and two passes defended. As he looks to lead Ohio State’s improvement on defense, Harrison has put work in during the preseason.

“Aside from getting bigger, stronger, and faster, just film study,” Harrison said when asked what he’s tried to improve. “Coach, he’s been in the room talking to us about our steps and how we take a little full step, or we cross our feet here. That might not get you the sack that you want. Just focus on the small things and the details. When we’re talking about 0.5 seconds, 0.2 seconds, it’s the little things that’s going to matter.”