Since Urban Meyer arrived at Ohio State, a number of Buckeyes have had success switching positions in order to earn more playing time.
This has been especially true along the offensive line, where the likes of Darryl Baldwin, Chase Farris and Billy Price have all switched from defensive to offensive line in an effort to see the field more.
All three ended up starting at least one season for the Buckeyes, and Josh Alabi is hoping to become the next player on that list.
Originally recruited as a defensive lineman, Alabi spent two years in Larry Johnson's room before making the switch to offensive line in the offseason before the 2017 season. The move was understandable considering Ohio State's crowded defensive line unit, which had as many as eight players consistently rotate during games last season.
"Coach J just told me that we have had a lot of people that played defensive line that went over to offensive line and that I looked like I would have an opportunity over there," Alabi said. "When I heard that, I knew Coach Johnson just wanted the best for me, and it just went from there."
Alabi cracked Ohio State's two-deep at tackle last season, and even earned some meaningful reps against Michigan after Jamarco Jones was briefly sidelined with an injury. Now a redshirt junior, he is trying to take the next step in his development as an offensive tackle.
"I want to improve my pass sets and knowing the whole offense and every (offensive line) position on the field," he said. "I think my punch and my run blocking is pretty solid, so I am working on pass blocking for right now."
Alabi's role come the start of the 2018 season remains unknown, even to him at this point in spring ball. The Detroit native has been working at both tackle and center this spring. At center, Ohio State is attempting to replace back-to-back Rimington winners, and Alabi's name was brought up by Urban Meyer as someone who was earning reps at that position during spring ball.
“I knew Coach Johnson just wanted the best for me, and it just went from there.”– Josh Alabi on transition to offensive line
With the starting left tackle spot seemingly sewn up by Isaiah Prince and sophomore Thayer Munford "penciled in" at right tackle, Alabi's quickest way to the field could be at center, a position he said he worked extra hard on in March.
"It was pretty good. I stayed here over spring break working at center," he said. "There is a lot of competition so I am just working every day."
A member of the 2015 recruiting class, Alabi said he has also done extra work with Farris, his teammate of one season who also made the transition to offensive line and earned a starting job in his final year with Ohio State in 2015.
With Prince sitting out portions of team practice because of his experience, Alabi is getting some first team reps at left tackle. There is still a plethora of linemen fighting for time, and Alabi said he is working hard to find his role in Greg Studrawa's unit.
"(I am) working with the first team and second team. We have a lot of depth right now and there is a lot of competition in practice so everybody is getting reps," Alabi said. "I am just working hard every day in practice and just trying to find my role on the team."
When asked whether or not he wished he could have started his Ohio State career on the offensive side of the ball, Alabi said he has no regrets and is focused on finding a way to see the playing field in 2018.
"I don't really think about stuff like that. God has a journey for me and this is part of my journey so I accept that," he said. "I am just working to get on this field right now."
