Brendon White could have viewed his new role as a demotion.
After starting at safety and playing nearly every snap in Ohio State’s final five games of last season, White probably isn’t going to be a starter or an every-down player in this year’s defense.
While White is atop the depth chart at the bullet position, that position will be used situationally in this year’s defense. For the most part, White will be rotating into the lineup for Pete Werner, who is set to start in the Buckeyes’ base defense as a traditional Sam linebacker. The Buckeyes could still play White at safety at times, but they’re expected to more often play packages with three cornerbacks and only one deep safety on the field.