Dallas Gant ready to lead Buckeyes linebackers on field for first time

COLUMBUS — Step right up, Dallas Gant. The wait is over.

The former 4-star linebacker prospect from Toledo (Ohio) St. John’s Jesuit has been patient. A lot of guys in his position wouldn’t have been. The 6-foot-3, 235-pound senior knows that.

And he knows it’s OK to feel frustration about that wait. He watched from the sideline for three years as Ohio State relied on a quartet of veteran linebackers to lead its defense.

There’s no more of that. It’s time for Dallas Gant, Teradja Mitchell and K’Vaughan Pope to be the tip of the proverbial spear for the Buckeyes defense.

“It’s no secret we had a ton of guys last year,” Gant told the media Thursday. “They were phenomenal at what they did. Tuf Borland, Pete [Werner] and Baron were phenomenal with what they did. Playing behind them, you kind of see how they work and how they do things. You get to learn from them.

“It kind of sucks sometimes to be honest with you because you’re watching these guys playing, you don’t really get much time, but it’s also kind of a blessing.”

The blessing of playing time was in front of Dallas Gant this spring. He missed that, unfortunately, with a foot injury that forced him once more into the role of watcher. Becoming a leader for this year’s team means again, looking back to a three-time Buckeyes captain.

“I was behind Tuf Borland,” Gant said. “I got to see that guy work every day. How he went about his business and how he handled himself. I would not be close to player I am now if I didn’t see Tuf Borland before me. Waiting that turn and now coming into my senior season, I’m just trying to show what I’ve learned over the years.”

Buckeyes third-year linebackers coach Al Washington says Gant has stepped up in whatever way he could.

“Dallas has been here,” Washington said. “And he’s done a really good job of having a great presence for us.

“I have a high level of trust in Dallas, as a person that when his number is called, he can go out there and play. He’s been engaged, he’s been with us step-by-step. Even throughout the spring, he’s been a leader. Front and center, every meeting, still vocal. [Gant] has been here enough years physically so I don’t think he’s far behind. Obviously you’d love to see him practice and love to see him have a spring, but I think for him the mental part is more important.

The Ohio State defense may go as far as the linebackers take them this season. It’s hard to replace leaders and puts a spotlight on the play of Dallas Gant and others. There’s also a chip on their shoulders. The linebackers are a question mark this season and Gant knows it.

“I think there’s always been something to prove,” Dallas Gant said. “Just as linebackers. It’s the Silver Bullet defense. There’s always something to prove. With all the guys leaving we want to prove ourselves — we can be that — and even more.”

There’s no running away from the expectations for these Buckeyes senior linebackers. He’ll have to earn every rep he takes this season, just as he has in the past. Ohio State doesn’t care how long he’s waited to play and neither do the young linebackers pushing him for playing time.

“It’s always been a competitive spot at linebacker,” Gant said. “Now, it’s no different. I’m a senior and I need to compete to win my spot.”

For the Buckeyes to be their best this season, Dallas Gant will need to keep leading the linebackers. This year though, he’ll need to do it on the field for Ohio State.