Three depth-chart battles that could shape Ohio State's season

The speculation, debate and conversations about Ohio State never end, and Lettermen Row is always ready to dive into the discussions. All week long, senior writer Austin Ward will field topics about the Buckeyes submitted by readers and break down anything that’s on the minds of the Best Damn Fans in the Land. Have a question that needs to be tackled, like the one today about intriguing position battles for backups at Ohio State? Send it in right here — and check back daily for the answers.

What are some of the most interesting position battles you will be focused on during fall camp? What players do you see having the best shot of beating out a starter from the 2018 team?

— Adam (@BunyanMan) July 15, 2019

No team is going to make it through a season completely healthy, and Ohio State will be the first in line to vouch for the importance of the Next Man Up mantra that has helped power it to championships on the strength of impressive depth. So, while picking the right starters is important, it’s also critical to use training camp to find the best pecking order of backups and have them ready to expand the rotation — or take over the position if necessary.

The competition Ryan Day wants at quarterback is well documented, it’s no secret that middle linebacker will have a heated head-to-battle for the top spot this month and the offensive line has a position or two to sort out as well. But which units have intriguing races for the second spot in line which could shape the roster for Ohio State this season? Let’s start with these three positions ahead of the start of camp on Friday.

Running back

The days of splitting carries and sharing series should be over at Ohio State, and there’s no question that J.K. Dobbins will be the leader at tailback. But the Buckeyes have options behind him and didn’t rush into finalizing the depth chart or game plan during spring ball, electing to let three guys build stronger cases during August first.

Master Teague would seem to have a leg up after getting a taste of experience a year ago, and the way he attacked the offseason conditioning program has clearly yielded results. Teague always looked capable of bringing a physical presence to the position, but he’s probably underrated when it comes to his speed and has the potential to be a solid complement to Dobbins off the bench.

The primary competition for those carries will come down to how Ohio State wants to try to use Demario McCall if he can stay healthy and kick the ball-security issues that have slowed him down as well. But Marcus Crowley can’t be ruled out of the picture after a solid first spring on campus, either. Since Dobbins doesn’t need much work during training camp heading into his junior campaign, Ohio State will be able to take a long look at those three options.

Ohio State safety Josh Proctor is in the mix for a regular role with the Buckeyes. (Birm/Lettermen Row)

Safety

Perhaps no program in the country has recruited better in the secondary than Ohio State, and new co-defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley can do pretty much anything he can dream up with all that talented personnel he inherited. And the options at safety are going to give the Buckeyes plenty to think about before the opener.

Spring practices gave Hafley a head start on the evaluation process, especially since senior captain Jordan Fuller was recovering from an injury and unable to participate. Thanks to the combination of Brendon White embracing the role of the hybrid Bullet and the potential for Ohio State to again rotate multiple guys at safety, there is a big opportunity up for grabs. That raises the stakes for guys like Josh Proctor, Isaiah Pryor, Amir Riep — and perhaps Jahsen Wint, who could fill in as the backup Bullet.

Proctor is bursting with athleticism and was one of the most impressive performers during March and April. There will be plenty of eyes on him when the Buckeyes hit the field, but he’s certainly not the only defensive back capable of lending a hand for the program this season.

Tight end

By comparison, there probably isn’t as much pressure at tight end since there simply aren’t that many bodies at the position. Plus, Ohio State is planning to use more sets featured two players from the position, which will obviously increase the number of snaps available.

But the pecking order at tight end will be fascinating to watch develop anyway, especially because of the importance that unit has for the offense as a whole both as blockers for the ground game and targets for the passing attack. Luke Farrell will lead the unit and looks ready to become one of Ohio State’s next NFL products at the position, and he’ll be on the field a ton this season. Rashod Berry has also improved as he’s finally been able to get comfortable in one role for the Buckeyes, and he’s got freakish athleticism and versatility that the Buckeyes would love to use more often.

And then there’s Jeremy Ruckert, which is where the situation gets more interesting. Ruckert wasn’t ready for the blocking responsibilities at Ohio State last season. But if he has made more strides in that area, he has big-time potential as a pass-catching threat — and a solid camp could allow him to put his stamp on the offense.

Miss any previous editions of Question of the Day? Catch up right here.