Ohio State expects Sonny Styles to make an impact on its defense this year. Midway through spring practices, however, Styles appears more likely to play a situational role than as a starter.
While a starting spot at strong safety could have opened up if Lathan Ransom moved to free safety, Ohio State has instead decided to keep the 2022 Jim Thorpe Award semifinalist at strong safety this spring. That could leave Styles’ path to a full-time role in the Buckeyes’ secondary blocked for another year.
One way or another, Ohio State defensive coordinator Jim Knowles expects Styles to be a part of his defensive game plans this season.