'JACK' position remains part of Buckeyes long-term plan despite mixed results in 2022

COLUMBUS — Jim Knowles isn't giving up on the "JACK/LEO" position at Ohio State. The stand-up hybrid linebacker/defensive end role was a key component of his Oklahoma State defensive rebuild that saw the Cowboys finish the 2021 season second nationally with 56 sacks. The JACK has served Knowles well throughout his DC career, dating back two decades at Western Michigan, where Jason Babin — the first player Knowles put in that position — ended up playing his way into being a first-round NFL Draft selection in 2004.