This is the tenth installment in a series where Buckeye Huddle looks back on each member of Ohio State’s 2023 signing class and the impact they had as rookies, as well as the impact they could have during the upcoming 2024 season. Up next is linebacker Nigel Glover.
Nigel Glover (6-3 210) was a four-star prospect out of Northmont High School in Clayton, Ohio. He was ranked the No. 30 linebacker in the nation, the No. 10 player in Ohio, and the No. 335 player nationally. Despite the rankings and the Ohio citizenship, there was no offer from Ohio State. Glover signed with Northwestern over offers from Wisconsin, Washington, Iowa, and several other Big Ten programs.
Following the firing of Northwestern head coach Pat Fitzgerald last summer, however, Glover entered the transfer portal. The Buckeyes offered him soon after and he chose Ohio State over Michigan and Kentucky. Glover was set to pay his own way at OSU for the first semester last year and then finally go on scholarship in January.
2023 Season
Nigel Glover didn’t see the field last year, which wasn’t a huge surprise since he didn’t transfer until right before the start of fall camp. He was also making the move from high school safety to college linebacker. A numbers crunch and inevitable position move were a couple of reasons why Glover didn’t receive a scholarship offer from Ohio State as a high schooler, but defensive coordinator Jim Knowles had certainly been aware of him for a while.
“We’ve known about Nigel for a long time,” Knowles said last August. “And really, it’s his attitude, the way that he wants to improve. He’s so into the X’s and O’s. He’s that kind of kid. He’s the kind of kid that’s coachable and wants to learn.”
As to the expectations last year, they were minimal because of the overeall situation.
“That’s hard to say. Right?” Knowles said. “I mean, first thing is we have to get him to know where his classes are and all that. He’s still a freshman. So we’ll wait and see.”
So Now What For Nigel Glover?
The Buckeyes are losing both starting linebackers from last season, as Tommy Eichenberg and Steele Chambers are headed to the NFL. Glover projects as a Will linebacker, which is the spot vacated by Chambers. There is no proven player set to take over at that spot, so there will be an opportunity to compete for playing time this spring and beyond.
Glover’s size and athleticism could also see him used as a Sam linebacker in three-linebacker sets. He has the frame and athleticism to cover tight ends and can be used in both pass coverage and pass rushing. He provides a versatility that could help a defense, but his first assignment will likely be Will linebacker.
The Buckeyes will begin spring practice next month looking for a replacement for Steele Chambers. There are more experienced options ahead of Nigel Glover right now, but he has time to cut the lead down before the start of the 2024 season.
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Safety Malik Hartford
Receiver Brandon Inniss
Safety Jayden Bonsu
Offensive Tackle Luke Montgomery
Defensive End Joshua Mickens
Tight End Jelani Thurman
Defensive Tackle Will Smith, Jr.
Cornerback Calvin Simpson-Hunt
Quarterback Lincoln Kienholz
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