Blocking Mitchell Melton at Student Appreciation Day 10 days ago looked like a waking nightmare for Ohio State’s offensive tackles.
The fifth-year senior backup defensive end invaded the backfield constantly, putting pressure on quarterbacks, grabbing a sack or two and blowing up plays.
“I think for a majority of the spring I’ve been feeling more confident in my abilities,” Melton said. “Even with everything that’s happened in the past, I still think I have a lot to give and a lot to give to this program.”
A lot has certainly happened to Melton in his first four years with the Buckeyes. Specifically on the injury front.
The 2024 season offers his first chance to string healthy seasons together. In 2021, Melton tore his left ACL in spring practice. After a season of rehab, Melton tore his right ACL in the 2022 spring game.
But off a year without major injuries, he’s starting to play his way into a serious rotational role behind Jack Sawyer and JT Tuimoloau off the edge.
“You’ve seen Mitchell Melton get in the backfield as a rush end,” Ryan Day said after the Student Appreciation Day practice. “He got a couple sacks, I think, today. We’re looking for three guys at each position because all those guys are gonna play. We’re gonna roll it this year because we know it’s gonna be a long season.”
Robbed of two seasons by ACL tears and playing just one game in his COVID-19-ravaged freshman season in 2020, Melton felt like a first-year all over again in 2023.
“I feel like last year was my freshman year, kind of, just getting my feet under myself, figuring out how to play college football again,” Melton said. “Now I feel more renewed than ever and, I think, more comfortable in the position I’m playing now. I’m playing end. Got a lot of extra work with the guys and Coach (Larry Johnson) off the field, so it’s definitely helped me get into a more comfortable spot on the field.”
Quitting never crossed Melton’s mind, he stated, in spite of two years spent in training rooms. He loves the game of football and his teammates too much to do that.
He still needed some motivation to get back to his former on-field self, though, as would anybody. He leaned on those closest to him and ensured his mental standing was in the best shape possible.
“I think I’m one of many stories of something like that, a tragic injury happening to a really good player,” Melton said. “It was never easy, but I think my support group, my family and my friends helped keep me motivated to keep my mind at bay with everything. ... I definitely had a different idea, like everyone does, a different expectation of what you want to happen at Ohio State. But I think more so now than ever, me being blessed to be in the moment has kept me and my mental really well.”
Melton logged 63 total snaps in 2023, only reaching double digits in two games as he worked his way back to full speed. He picked up three tackles, all for loss, with a sack at Purdue on Oct. 14.
“It definitely took a second to just trust myself and my body,” Melton said. “For the last couple of years, it didn’t help me out in the best way, obviously. But it is very mental I’ve found, just every day, counteracting that fear and doubt if my body’s gonna hold up. I think my mentality right now is really good for that.”
His transition back to full strength has come with a transition of position. Melton, who has the athletic traits of both a pass-rush-oriented defensive end and an outside linebacker, was one of defensive coordinator Jim Knowles’ initial tabs for his trademark hybrid Jack/Leo position.
“I’ve been feeling more confident in my abilities. Even with everything that’s happened in the past, I still think I have a lot to give and a lot to give to this program.”– Mitchell Melton on where he's at this spring
Melton is back at defensive end now after the Jack spot was largely eradicated from the defense last campaign. He’s battling with juniors Caden Curry and Kenyatta Jackson Jr. for playing time behind Sawyer and Tuimoloau.
“I definitely saw some likeness to my ability to the ability of a Leo,” Melton said. “I definitely was excited to get into that position and do what I could do best and play to the best of my ability. But you never know what to expect, especially coming to Ohio State. So I’m just here to grind and work every day.”
Melton says he feels comfortable back at defensive end now. Given the reviews of his play this spring, it seems both in that regard and regarding his health, he could finally hit his stride in year five.
