The depth of the Ohio State defensive backfield took another hit.
Sophomore safety Erick Smith — backup to Vonn Bell — suffered a season-ending ACL injury.
"Cam Burrows and Erick Smith are down for the year," Urban Meyer confirmed Tuesday during the weekly Big Ten teleconference.
Smith is a key member of multiple Ohio State special teams units and the first backup safety off the bench after Bell and Tyvis Powell.
A four-star recruit in Ohio State's 2014 class from Glenville, Smith's tallied six tackles in his team's six games so far in 2015. He had 13 tackles, one interception and a fumble recovery in the Buckeyes 2014 national championship season. Because he played in six games, Smith will not be eligible for a medical redshirt.
Smith is the third Ohio State defensive back set to miss time this season, the second as a result of an injury. Senior Cam Burrows went down with a re-aggravation of a foot injury and had season-ending surgery Oct. 6. The unit did get a bit of good news, however, with the reinstatement of CB Damon Webb.
Freshman Malik Hooker took Burrows' place on the depth chart, but Smith's replacement could be a by-committee approach.
Smith's availability for 2016 spring practice is unknown.
