What I Know, What I Think, What I Wonder — Defensive Signees Edition

I know that Ryan Day said they wanted to recruit defensive linemen of different sizes and body types, but when I look at the defensive tackles, I see a lot of the same body type. Also, the two defensive ends are both long and lean.

I think at first glance, I see three three-techs and two edge rushers who could be outside linebackers/stand-up rushers in an odd front. That obviously doesn’t mix, it was just something that caught my eye.

I wonder which of the defensive tackles eventually grows into a nose tackle.

I know that Riley Pettijohn is as good of an athlete as the guys he is chasing. He can run with running backs and beat them to the corner.

I think the loss of Gabe Powers moves up the timetable for TJ Alford. This is not a deep group of linebackers, but such is life when your base defense only features two guys. Rotating players on defense is a thing that will continue now with the expanded playoffs, so there is definitely a role for a freshman like Alford on the defense next year if he’s capable.

I wonder what nickel looks like next year and how Devin Sanchez impacts that decision. Assuming Davison Igbinosun returns, he and Jermaine Mathews are the top two corners. Could Sanchez factor in at nickel behind Lorenzo Styles, Jr. (or in front)? Could Mathews be the top guy at nickel instead, clearing some room for a position battle?

To read the rest of this very extended edition of What I Know, What I Think, What I Wonder, you can click here, but you’ll need to be a premium subscriber. Other topics include where the three defensive tackles might line up, could the defensive ends actually be 3-4 outside linebackers, TJ Alford’s readiness, Eli Lee’s physicality, Devin Sanchez as a create-a-player, what to do about a 6-foot-4 cornerback, the elite versatility of Faheem Delane, the playmaking of Cady Haddad, the skillset of DeShawn Stewart, and much more on Ohio State’s defensive class of 2025.