Jim Knowles Excited To See Buckeyes Play Fast, Play Depth

COLUMBUS — Ohio State defensive coordinator Jim Knowles met with reporters for his weekly press conference on Tuesday. He talked about his team’s ability to play fast, building depth, the plans for CJ Hicks, and much more. The highlights of everything that was said can be found below.

+ What has you most excited about this defense? The ability to play fast. Because when you know what to do, it allows you to play faster.

+ Cody Simon is conscientious. A team guy. He does whatever it takes. He has no ego. He has done a little bit of everything. You can always count on him.

+ The safety depth, are you more willing to put younger guys out there because there could be a veteran guy next to them? In key situations, you want your best guy. When you have a clear divide between the first group and the second group, you’re gonna have the first group in during key situation. You’ll then continue to build the next group.

+ In recruiting Caleb Downs in the portal: “I just knew we had to be on point.” It’s like a job interview. It’s like a game day. His job was to explain his defense in detail. It was a lot like his job interview at Oklahoma State.

+ Any concern that this non-conference schedule won’t challenge you? “Can’t be concerned with that. I’ll challenge them.”

+ CJ Hicks is considered a one, just like Cody Simon was last year. He can play at any point. Sonny Styles could play Mike and Cody could take a rest. All three of those guys are ones. Styles has shown them that he can handle anything at linebacker. He’s coachable. He gets it the first time you tell them.

+ The defense has to prove itself every week. They get it. Statistically they played okay last year but they didn’t win every game. They could have won the bowl game 3-0 last year. “That’s on those guys. And they get it.” Every week you go out there like you’re delivering your thesis. They understand that challenge.

+ How do you prepare for offenses getting tricky with the helmet communication? When you teach, you prepare your players to have to do everything themselves. “So you better know the defense.”

+ Will year three be your best at Ohio State and what is the biggest difference for you this year? They’re working with veterans “who are also extremely talented.” You have to expect the best and chase perfection. “That’s just what we’ve got to do.”

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