The Ohio State Buckeyes saw three defensive linemen drafted in the first round this year and, through one game at least, seem as strong as ever at that position.
Although Ohio State’s defense had a number of breakdowns Saturday in a season-opening 77-31 victory against Oregon State, it would be hard to fault the pass rush. The Buckeyes compiled five sacks for a loss of 43 yards and hit the quarterbacks three more times.
Defensive end Nick Bosa earned most of the headlines with one of the best performances in the nation: two sacks, two fumble recoveries and a touchdown. However, defensive tackle Dre’Mont Jones was just as dominant.
In his 24th career start, the redshirt junior Jones proved why he should be a high draft pick in 2019.
When Ohio State’s defensive line is hot, Jones said, no one can block them. The depth of the line means players will have a hard time building big numbers, but compiling sacks and tackles is a goal for Jones.
According to the players, it was the same, old Meyer on the turf field outside the Woody Hayes Athletic Center.