Scarlet Sunrise: Detroit Lions promote J.T. Barrett to assistant QBs coach

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Detroit Lions promote former Ohio State quarterback J.T. Barrett to assistant QBs coach

The Detroit Lions have promoted former Ohio State quarterback J.T. Barrett — the school’s all-time leading passer — to assistant QBs coach. Barrett joined the Lions’ staff as an offensive assistant ahead of the 2022 NFL season. Notably, Barrett was on the New Orleans Saints’ practice squad for stretches of the 2018 and 2019 seasons after going undrafted. During that time, now-Lions head coach Dan Campbell was the Saints’ assistant head coach/tight ends coach.

Barrett’s pro career never took off. He even had brief stint in The Spring League and tried his hand at the CFL, but an Achilles tear prevented him from ever playing for the Edmonton Elks. Then he turned to coaching.

At Ohio State, Barrett started the greater part of four seasons under then-head coach Urban Meyer. He was a three-time captain, and he threw for 9,434 yards and 104 touchdowns from 2014-17. In that span, he also piled up 3,263 yards and 43 touchdowns on the ground.

Barrett started as a redshirt freshman in 2014. His number was called when Braxton Miller suffered a shoulder injury in training camp. Barrett helped make the Buckeyes a candidate for the first-ever College Football Playoff yet broke his ankle against Michigan. That’s when Cardale Jones took over for what became a storybook CFP run and national championship. Although Jones started the next season as QB1, Barrett eventually reclaimed his role as the team’s signal caller. He proceeded to start a combined 27 games in 2016 and 2017, leading the Buckeyes to a record of 23-4 in those years.

Eight former Buckeyes players invited to 2023 NFL Combine

Ohio State is one of eight schools with at least eight invitees to this year’s NFL Combine: Quarterback C.J. Stroud, wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba, offensive tackles Paris Johnson Jr. and Dawand Jones, center Luke Wypler, defensive end Zach Harrison, cornerback Cam Brown and safety Ronnie Hickman.

Alabama leads the country with 13 prospects invited. Next is Georgia with 12 invitees. Four schools are sending nine players to the pre-draft showcase — that group includes Michigan.

In total, there are 319 prospects who received invitations to this year’s NFL Combine, which will take place from Feb. 28 to March 6 in Lucas Oil Stadium, the home of the Indianapolis Colts.

For the event’s schedule and more, check out the full story here.

Offseason Report: Is Ohio State deep enough at key spots on defensive line?

Top-end talent defensive line talent? Well, it’s become the standard at Ohio State, and the Buckeyes have it for 2023. Depth, however, is a bit of a concern, especially considering how much longtime D-Line coach Larry Johnson likes to rotate his defensive front.

The Lettermen Row crew of Spencer Holbrook, Tim May and Andy Backstrom break down the Buckeyes’ defensive tackle and defensive end rooms for next season, discussing who’s due for a big step forward and who might give Ohio State the extra flexibility that comes with a deeper D-Line.

Don’t miss the latest Offseason Report, presented by Byers Auto.

RELATED

• Roster Reset: Buckeyes defensive tackle room bursting with potential

• Roster Reset: Buckeyes facing big questions at defensive end

Counting down

Buckeyes vs. Indiana: 205 days

Buckeyes vs. Michigan: 289 days

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