The younger brother of Joey Bosa is ready to write his own name in Ohio State lore.
“Sometimes when I turn on the videotape in the back, I just shake my head. His body type, his demeanor, the way he walks, he’s just so close to the way Joey was — until he turns around. Then I think they’re really different.”
– Larry Johnson via Austin Ward, ESPN
Ohio State defensive lineman Nick Bosa is the next in line of the Bosa family to suit up for the Buckeyes. His older brother, Joey, had an outstanding career in Columbus and propelled himself up to the third overall pick in this year’s NFL draft. After being a terror on the defensive side of the ball for three seasons in the Big Ten, Joey forgo his senior season to head for the professional level. Enter Nick, who starts his freshman season with plenty of expectations from the get-go. Bosa has been hyped to the point that some have said he’s already at a higher level than Joey was at this point in his career.
Considering Joey Bosa was named a freshman All-American while racking up 7.5 sacks and 13 tackles for loss, the expectations for Nick will be lofty, especially since he’s coming off a torn ACL from his senior year of high school. Still, the freshman Bosa hasn’t participated in full-contact scrimmages yet, but all indications from the coaching staff are that he’ll be ready to go when it’s time to hit the field in September. If he’s anything like his brother, it should be another great three seasons with Bosa on the defensive line.
“[Preseason All-American first team] Center Pat Elflein, Linebacker Raekwon McMillan”
– Adam Silverstein, CBS Sports
Another preseason All-American list has made the rounds, this time coming from CBS Sports. Two members of Ohio State were selected for the first team All-America, center Pat Elflein and linebacker Raekwon McMillan. It comes as no surprise, as the two have been popular selections in many award lists and similar honors. Elflein enters his senior season and making a position change after playing guard for most of his career. The chance to play center for the Buckeyes should help boost his versatility and draft stock for the next level.
McMillan, meanwhile, is entering his junior season ready to take the reins of leadership on the defensive side of the ball after a very strong 2015 campaign in which he led the team in tackles. With a young group around him, McMillan will have to be at his best and help guide the younger players where need be. He should have another superb season which in turn will only help Ohio State’s goal of making it back on top.
“My health is pretty good. My knees are 100 percent now. I’m feeling good every day. … I’m feeling better than I ever did during my best playing days in high school.”
– Johnnie Dixon via Ari Wasserman, Cleveland.com
It was, at times, a somewhat difficult season for Ohio State wide receivers last season. After the depth took several hits from losing Noah Brown right before the season, to several injuries gnawing away at the roster, the unit looks better prepared this year and one of those receivers looking to make an impact is Johnnie Dixon. Dixon came into the program three years ago and was looked at as one of the receivers that would eventually become a great one at Ohio State. That hasn’t totally gone to plan after a surgery on both knees left him at a spot where he needed a full two years to get fully healthy again.
Now, Dixon is looking to take his game to the level many thought he was capable of when he first arrived on campus. Once rated in the top 10 receivers of the 2014 recruiting class, Dixon is now fighting for a spot in the lineup and certainly has his work cut out for him. Between all of the receivers on the roster ready to make their starts this season (Noah Brown, Parris Campbell, James Clark, Corey Smith, Austin Mack, Terry McLaurin, K.J. Hill, etc.) Dixon won’t have it easy. But for him, it’s all about having the chance after two seasons essentially on the sidelines.