Ohio State just helped make one member of the Bosa family very rich. Now, it is ready to lay the groundwork for the same kind of result with another.
Nick Bosa moved into his Ohio State dorm room last weekend, along with the majority of his future teammates and members of the 2016 recruiting class that did not enroll in January. Big brother Joey hasn't yet signed his first NFL contract with the San Diego Chargers but the franchise made him the third overall pick in the draft 43 days ago.
Forty-three days: That's the all that stood between the official exit of one Bosa and another to step foot on campus.
Defensive line coach Larry Johnson said April 20 he and the rest of Urban Meyer's coaching staff were "very anxious" for the younger Bosa to get to Columbus. Expectations won't be anything but sky high for Nick — it comes with the territory of being a Bosa.
"The apple doesn't fall too far from the tree," Johnson said. "You know that what he has that is in there. I've had a chance to work with Nicky at camps, I've spent some time with him, talked to him, we've really engaged. I think he has a chance to be a special player."
| SEASON | G | TACKLES | TFL | SACKS | QB HURRIES | INT | FF |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 14 | 44 | 13.5 | 7.5 | 6 | 0 | 0 |
| 2014 | 15 | 55 | 21.0 | 13.5 | 4 | 0 | 4 |
| 2015 | 12 | 51 | 16.0 | 5.0 | 14 | 1 | 1 |
Joey Bosa is the definition of a special player in Ohio State lore. A two-time All-American and two-time Big Ten Defensive Lineman of the Year, there is a reason he was the first non-quarterback selected in the 2016 NFL Draft. The guy dominated during his three collegiate seasons (41 total games played).
It's almost a foregone conclusion among those within the program that Nick Bosa is on the same trajectory — if not a faster one — even though he suffered a partial tear of his ACL in November.
"He is so far ahead right now with his knee, it's ridiculous," Johnson said. "I think the doctor is even surprised by how far ahead he is."
That's good news if you're an Ohio State fan, because not only is Joey on to the NFL but fellow defensive linemen Adolphus Washington, Joel Hale, Tommy Schutt and Donovan Munger are no longer on the roster or medically unable to play in 2016.
"D-line is the one where it has to be the year of development," Meyer said in March minutes after Ohio State's first spring practice. "I think we're counting on one guy that's not here yet, Bosa. He's going to be in the rotation."
There wasn't much else said about the younger of the two Bosa brothers this spring by either by Meyer or the rest of the staff outside of Johnson, unless it was another affirmation that he was on his way and forecasted to be a contributor in 2016.
The staff knows what is coming after coaching Joey and growing close with their parents, Cheryl and John. Dad was the 16th overall selection in the 1987 NFL Draft by the Miami Dolphins. Mom is 6-foot-2.
"All those genes are good," Johnson said. "I wish they had more kids coming."
Meyer said as long as he is at Ohio State, there will always be a scholarship available should the Bosas decide to have more children. John played three seasons for the Dolphins and uncle Eric Kumerow's 23.0 sacks is good for fifth all-time in program history. The Miami Dolphins also drafted Kumerow 16th overall in the 1988 NFL Draft.
Joey tallied 44 tackles, 13.5 tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks as a freshman. He left Ohio State with 26.0 sacks in three seasons, third most in school history. Nick has plenty to live up to.
"He's been around football, he's a smart player, understands the game. He understands what it takes to be a professional, to be a pro player. You see that," Johnson said. "Joey was a great guy, prepared himself every game. He prepared for that. Nick is the same way."
Joey Bosa didn't receive his first start until Week 3 of the 2013 season at California. With a young roster and lack of experienced depth on the defensive line, Nick Bosa could come on sooner than that provided his knee is healthy. Will it result in more than 40 tackles and close to eight sacks in his first year? That remains to be seen.
But he is more than ready and has the DNA to do it.
"Their mom is 6-foot-2 I think, dad is 6-foot-5. That's a good start, man," Johnson said. "I think it helps. All those things help.
"Now, the thing is kind of slow him down, get him in here in June, don't push him too fast and the idea is to get him to camp in August healthy and see where it goes from there."
If the previous members of the Bosa bloodline are any indication, chances are good the youngest one has all the necessary pieces to also be a first-round pick.
