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Buckeyes safety Josh Proctor returning for final season of eligibility

Spencer-Holbrookby:Spencer Holbrook•01/21/23•

SpencerHolbrook

Josh Proctor by Matt Parker -- Lettermen Row
Josh Proctor is playing another season for Ohio State. (Matt Parker/Lettermen Row)

COLUMBUS — Josh Proctor has been bursting with potential since he arrived at Ohio State.

He is going to use every year of eligibility at his disposal to make sure that potential doesn’t go untapped. Lettermen Row sources confirmed Proctor will return for his sixth and final season of college football next year, a boost for the Buckeyes secondary that is losing two starters at safety and one at cornerback.

The Columbus Dispatch was first to report the news of Proctor’s return.

Proctor, a former four-star recruit in the class of 2018, began last season as a starting safety after battling back from a broken leg suffered in 2021. He was finally due for a breakout year under new defensive coordinator Jim Knowles. But the year didn’t go as planned, as Proctor watched from the sideline for a majority of the defensive snaps as three other safeties started over him.

Still, he had a productive season in a surprising role for the Buckeyes. Proctor tallied 21 tackles. 1.5 tackles for loss, a sack and two pass deflections. He carved out a space on special teams to help Ohio State reach the College Football Playoff, where the Buckeyes lost to Georgia in a heart-breaking game.

For his career, Proctor has 65 total tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, the lone sack, two interceptions, six pass deflections and a fumble recovery.

Ohio State coaches have spoken highly of Proctor for years. And Proctor’s mindset — one that revolves around a team-first approach — is a big reason why he’ll be back next season.

“To be honest, it doesn’t [matter if I start],” Proctor said in September. “We need each and every piece. We all know we bring different aspects to the game, so as long as we’re behind each other and focused on what we need to do I think we’ll came out on top where we want to be.”

Proctor will be back for another season at Ohio State. Whether he starts or is just a contributor, he has one year remaining to finally reach that untapped potential.

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