Marcus Hooker redshirted as a true freshman then served as a third-string backup his second year on campus.
But in the season-opening game of his redshirt sophomore season, he earned his first career start. For the first defensive snap of the 2020 season, Hooker lined up in Ohio State's defensive backfield alongside Shaun Wade, Sevyn Banks and Marcus Williamson to take on quarterback Adrian Martinez and the Nebraska Cornhuskers.
Hooker's start means fellow third-year safety Josh Proctor comes off the bench for Ohio State. Safeties coach Matt Barnes referred to him a few weeks ago as someone who might be more comfortable and effective playing “closer to the box” with Hooker as the deep safety.