Dante Booker has all the tools.
The linebacker is a chiseled 236 pounds, up 25 from when he enrolled at Ohio State as a five-star recruit two years ago. He has speed to burn. The junior is a hard worker. He is an aggressive tackler. He is conscientious about learning the mental side of the game.
But as he well knows, there is a difference between preparing to be great and actually becoming it. The Buckeyes are hoping that greatness awaits this season for Booker — and the rest of his inexperienced teammates.
Booker is penciled in to replace Joshua Perry as the strongside linebacker.