When Ohio State takes the field for its season opener against Bowling Green, there likely will be more first-time starters than ever before in Urban Meyer's tenure.
The Buckeyes only have six seniors on their roster and lost double-digit starters from a 2015 squad that finished 12-1 and beat Notre Dame in the Fiesta Bowl. Many of those guys are now in the NFL, so we don't need to tell you how big the holes are that need filled.
Ohio State does bring back a handful of integral parts in 2016, starting with its three captains: quarterback J.T. Barrett, center Pat Elflein and middle linebacker Raekwon McMillan. They headline the program's five most indispensable players, which Tim outlined here.
Urban Meyer's recruiting classes have been excellent, so he and his staff are not short on talent to work with as they trudge towards conference play. Still, there needs to be a considerable jump from some players in order for the Buckeyes to witness the success that is expected in Columbus. We did our best to outline five of them below.
5. Tracy Sprinkle — Defensive Tackle
Ohio State lost a ton of depth on the interior of its defensive line with Adolphus Washington, Joel Hale and Tommy Schutt all graduating. Add in the fact Donovan Munger's career is over due to blood clots, and suddenly there are four defensive tackles gone from the 2015 squad.
Meyer gave Sprinkle credit this spring for his growth not only on the field but as a leader within his position room under Larry Johnson. Tyquan Lewis and Sam Hubbard lead the way at end to replace Joey Bosa and have made more plays than Sprinkle in their brief Ohio State careers. Now a redshirt junior, it is Sprinkle's turn to really step up and make a difference. Ohio State needs an imposing presence in the trenches. Sprinkle must be it.
4. Chris Worley — Linebacker
Ohio State lost two draft picks at linebacker in Darron Lee and Joshua Perry, so naturally there are plenty of eyes gawking at the holes they left behind. Chris Worley lost his job to Lee two years ago but is now expected to be his replacement.
A potential problem for Worley, however, is the constant presence of athletic freak Jerome Baker behind him. Luke Fickell and Meyer spoke highly of Worley's work in spring practice, but Baker's one-handed interception in the spring game showed a glimpse into his potential. Meyer said Worley is on his way to becoming part of the elite within the program. He will need to be to not only fend off Baker but make plays on Ohio State's defense.
3. Parris Campbell — Wide Receiver
There are a handful of wide receivers that must take steps forward in 2016, but Campbell gets the nod here because he held a starting spot early last season with Jalin Marshall and Corey Smith suspended only to eventually fall down the depth chart because of a knee injury.
Marshall, Braxton Miller, and Michael Thomas are all now in the NFL, so wide receiver snaps are readily available for Curtis Samuel, Johnnie Dixon, and many others. Campbell made a 55-yard catch behind the defense during the spring game, one Meyer stressed that he "had to make" in front of 100,000 people. The Buckeyes need pass catchers to step up badly for J.T. Barrett and the passing game in 2016. Campbell has to do anything he can to separate himself in order for the offense to make strides.
2. Malik Hooker — Safety
Greg Schiano wouldn't bite on naming Hooker a starter at safety out of spring practice, but the redshirt sophomore's two interceptions in the spring game make it hard to believe he won't be the guy. Damon Webb leads at the other spot, but Hooker makes this list because he needs to continue to blossom and show the ability to make plays like Tyvis Powell and Vonn Bell did the last two seasons.
Hooker is a stellar athlete and has the potential to step into more of a leadership role on the back end of Ohio State's defense aside lone returning starter cornerback Gareon Conley. Bell and Powell were an excellent tandem in Ohio State's run at the 2014 national championship and again in 2015. Hooker looks prime to be the next in line to fall in the same mold.
1. Whoever Wins The Running Back Job
Meyer and Tony Alford both said the battle to start at running back is set to bleed into fall camp between redshirt freshman Mike Weber and fifth-year senior Bri'onte Dunn. Neither is going to bring the same type of production as 2015 Silver Football winner Ezekiel Elliott, but they must become a viable option alongside Barrett for the power rushing attack Ohio State's offense demands.
It feels like Dunn has been around Ohio State forever, while Weber was a big commitment from the state of Michigan in 2015 that had to redshirt because of a knee injury. Both players will get touches early on in the backfield, so then the question becomes if one will separate himself from the other. Either way, Ohio State needs them to perform well.
OTHERS: Left tackle Jamarco Jones, defensive tackle Michael Hill, defensive back Damon Webb
