Two interesting starters took the field alongside the expected grouping of Denzel Burke, Lathan Ransom and Sonny Styles in Ohio State’s defensive backfield to open the season against Indiana.
In the latest development of an ongoing competition at free safety – or “adjuster,” as it is called in Jim Knowles’ scheme – Josh Proctor started Saturday against Indiana for Ohio State.
Opposite Burke at corner, Ole Miss transfer Davison Igbinosun took the field first over expected starter Jordan Hancock.
Proctor is in his fifth season at Ohio State and does have a handful of starts from previous years. He started two games to open the 2021 season, recording 10 tackles before breaking his leg against Oregon Week 2.
In 2022 Proctor took the field for the first series Week 1 against Notre Dame, playing boundary safety, but was benched in favor of Lathan Ransom after missing a tackle. Ransom held the job the rest of the year. Proctor did see action in 11 games, collecting 21 tackles and two pass breakups.
Proctor remains in competition with Syracuse transfer Ja’Had Carter and freshman Malik Hartford to be the team’s starting safety for the remainder of the campaign.
While Knowles stated on Tuesday that the Buckeyes feel comfortable playing any out of Carter, Proctor and Hartford at the spot, he wants one to emerge from the bunch and stake his claim on the role, be it in practice or game action.
“Let's go out and see what you’re made of,” Knowles said. “Go out and get the position.”
Igbinosun started his freshman season at Ole Miss in 2022, logging 37 tackles and five pass breakups. He, Burke and Hancock are still expected to rotate in at corner, with Hancock a candidate to also receive reps at nickel safety.
Stay tuned to Eleven Warriors for more updates from Ohio State’s Week 1 matchup against Indiana.
