It's hard to judge exact rotations when a team has spent roughly two-and-a-half quarters of football playing backups two weeks into the season as Ohio State has.
Even with that being noted, a clear No. 3 is emerging at defensive tackle behind the starting duo of Tyleik Williams and Ty Hamilton.
Sophomore Kayden McDonald has seen 31 snaps through two games, including a decent amount of first-half action in the Buckeyes' victories over Akron and Western Michigan. Redshirt sophomore Hero Kanu has played the next-most snaps among backup defensive tackles with only 16 snaps. And McDonald has been producing in his opportunities.
"K-Mac has been doing a great job since he got here, even on scout team and giving our offense fits," defensive coordinator Jim Knowles said. "We've been expecting him to have a breakout year and he showed it last week. Made a lot of plays."
McDonald's collected four tackles and a pass breakup to this point in the season. As with any nose guard, though, his impact can't be analyzed with only statistics. It's often the job of one-techniques to eat blocks so others can make plays. And above all else, to set a new line of scrimmage and create havoc.
Those responsibilities trump the need for tackles and sacks, though those things are a nice bonus to provide.
"Being disruptive or being dominant are two different things," Ryan Day said after the Akron victory. "Somebody making sacks and getting TFLs, that's a lot more than being disruptive. That's what we're looking for. That's the attention that we have. ... You have to trust the defense. You have to trust the technique that Coach Johnson is teaching, and those plays come when you're not pressing."
McDonald's skill set is one few others on Ohio State's defensive line, or indeed few defensive linemen across college football, possess. Standing 6-foot-3 and 326 pounds, he's the largest of Larry Johnson's Rushmen but still possesses a quick enough first step to beat opponents off the snap.
"I think Kayden's a really good young player," defensive end Jack Sawyer said last weekend after the win over Western Michigan. "He brings a different type of interior defensive lineman. He's a big kid, probably like 320, super strong, bull in the run game. Seeing him have success is good because he's done it all fall camp. He's going to be an exceptional player here in a couple years. So I'm really excited for him."
Overlooked by his home state Georgia program despite being a four-star recruit out of powerhouse North Gwinnett High School, McDonald came to Columbus with a mean streak as well. That's beneficial for any football player, but especially one who is colliding with multiple other 300-pound bodies play after play.
“I’ve got a big chip on my shoulder,” McDonald said in March. “I don’t take any days for granted. You’ve gotta play every play like your last play, so that’s how I do it. I’m just really motivated. It’s a big season coming up, 17 games, somebody gotta step up."
“He brings a different type of interior defensive lineman. He's a big kid, probably like 320, super strong, bull in the run game.”– Jack Sawyer on Kayden McDonald
Johnson also testified to McDonald's talent this offseason.
"He's growing, he's growing as a player," Johnson said during preseason camp. "He's got to play more football, that's the best way to get that done with this team. This whole fall camp is getting more reps, getting better. He certainly has the talent. Now to be able to play 35 plays in a game is going to be critical. And that's what we're trying to get him ready for."
The main growth McDonald had to take from his freshman year to this one has been in his body. He's flung some fat from his frame, building a better engine to drive him through four quarters as the team needs.
Given that he's emerging as that No. 3 defensive tackle, such physical readiness is crucial.
"I think he's stronger, he's in better shape, his weight is down," Johnson said. "That's what was really critical. He's in better condition. And so when you get all those components together, you get a chance to think it. You get a chance to really do something special. That's where he is. He's done a great job taking care of himself. He did a great job in the weight room this offseason. And so now, it's about playing football."
McDonald will continue his development behind Hamilton and Williams when Ohio State faces Marshall on Sept. 21.
