Thanks to a number of key departures, the 2016 Buckeyes are going to look vastly different than what we saw this past season. On the depth chart, running back, wide receiver, and both lines are going to be almost entirely reshuffled during the offseason.
While the 2016 squad won't feature nearly as many seniors or potential early NFL declarations, there are still some key players who could be playing their final seasons in the Scarlet and Gray.
Today, we look at those players and how Urban Meyer's recruiting prowess can help to remedy the potential losses.
On the offensive side of the ball, the return of Pat Elflein is certainly huge for the offense as a whole. The senior will be manning the offensive line and will be flanked by Billy Price and three newcomers to the starting lineup. So who's next in line at center for the Buckeyes? Brady Taylor served as the backup to Jacoby Boren in 2015, and the sophomore should take on the same role this coming season.
2016 signee Jack Wohlabaugh (Stow, Ohio) is being brought in to play center, and the 6-foot-4, 275-pounder definitely has the bloodlines. His father Dave was an NFL center for nine seasons, including four as a Cleveland Brown.
Walsh Jesuit's Jack Wohlabaugh signs w/Ohio State as dad Dave & mom Virginia look on. #nsdcle2016 #NEOvarsity pic.twitter.com/x4fsNlIjpB
— Matt Goul (@mgoul) February 3, 2016
At running back, Mike Weber, Bri'onte Dunn, and true freshman Antonio Williams look to carry the load after Zeke Elliott's departure. Dontre Wilson and Curtis Samuel could see some time in the backfield as well, primarily as change-of-pace backs. The 2016 season will be Dunn's final year in Columbus, but the depth chart at running back looks to be in good shape.
For 2017, Akron's Todd Sibley is already committed and Urban Meyer and Tony Alford will almost certainly look to add another back to the class. Georgia's Trey Sermon looked to be close to pulling the trigger, but an injury-riddled junior year changed things for the four-star back who will be a tough pull from the South. Clearwater, Florida's Adarius Lemons is another name to keep an eye on.
While the Buckeyes are likely to go national for their second back, Copley, Ohio's Weston Bridges and a pair of Cincinnati backs – Jarell White and Ra'Von Bonner – are in-state names to know.
Dontre Wilson's departure will leave a hole at H-back, but incoming freshman Demario McCall is expected to be the incumbent for the position. McCall should see significant playing time in 2016, perhaps following the path Wilson took as a true freshman in 2013.
Corey Smith, who was recently granted a sixth year of eligibility, will be exiting as well. Incoming freshmen Austin Mack and Binjimen Victor should have no problem contributing early an often at wideout. Looking ahead to 2017, the Buckeyes are in prime position to bring in one of the better wide receiver hauls we've ever seen. Trevon Grimes, the nation's top-ranked wideout, has been on commit watch for months now and we would be shocked if Cleveland's Jaylen Harris ends up anywhere other than Columbus.
Five-star wide receiver Trevon Grimes still has the Buckeyes atop his list.
The 2016 defense will be loaded with youngsters, so any departures would presumably be due to underclassmen declaring early or other forms of attrition. In terms of potential early entrants to the NFL Draft, there are probably two main ones to watch
The Buckeyes are in a great spot at linebacker, and junior Raekwon McMillan will be leading the way in 2016. The 6-foot-2, 240-pounder is still arguably Urban Meyer's biggest recruiting win to date, and the talent has certainly translated on the field. NFLDraftScout.com currently lists McMillan as the top inside linebacker for the 2018 draft class, but I don't think anyone would be surprised to see him make the jump after his junior year.
Outside of McMillan, the talent at linebacker is plentiful. Jerome Baker, Justin Hilliard, and Nick Conner were all brought in in 2015, and Tuf Borland and Keandre Jones highlight the 2016 haul. Linebacker is one group that the Buckeyes really don't need to focus on for 2017, but two early commits – Olentangy's Brendon White and Lawrenceville, Georgia's Isaiah Pryor – could fill out enough to make the move from safety to linebacker.
Gareon Conley will be the only returning starter in the Ohio State secondary, and he too could have a decision to make after 2016. Fortunately for Greg Schiano and Kerry Coombs, the five defensive backs signed on Wednesday should go a long way in adding depth to the secondary.
The 2017 class is already shaping up to be one for the ages with three top-100 defensive backs in the fold and the aforementioned Brendon White. The Buckeyes are looking to add five-star Jeffrey Okudah (Grand Prairie, Texas), Clairton, Pennsylvania's Lamont Wade, and recently offered Amir Riep (Colerain) to round out the 2017 secondary class.
2017 cornerback Lamont Wade has the Buckeyes out in front.
Cameron Johnston was briefly mentioned as a player who could make a run for the 2016 NFL Draft, but the Aussie punter will be back for his final season in 2016. Newly-signed specialist Drue Chrisman, the nation's top high school punter, should take over those duties starting in 2017.
So could there be any potential surprises? Absolutely. The defensive line will be a group to watch with redshirt junior Tyquan Lewis along with Sam Hubbard and Jalyn Holmes both entering their third seasons in Columbus. It wouldn't be shocking to see someone put together a heck of a season and face a big decision next January.
On offense, there's been a few rumblings of J.T. Barrett potentially not sticking around for his redshirt senior year in 2017, but those with that mindset are likely getting way ahead of themselves. As things stand right now, we can count on two more seasons with Barrett at the helm before Joe Burrow or Dwayne Haskins take the reins.
