Ohio State has put dozens of defensive players into the NFL in recent years, and that number has been aided in particular by the respective coaching staffs’ ability to develop linemen and defensive backs. Chase Young, the Bosa brothers, Cam Heyward, and others are making a case for OSU to be referred to as “DLU” (Defensive Line University). Former Buckeye secondary players such as Malcolm Jenkins, Marshon Lattimore, and Denzel Ward further cemented the legacy of DB’s, and the school has been known as “DBU” for a handful of years.
Linebackers patrolling the middle have not enjoyed the same level of individual success recently, but Jerome Baker and Raekwon McMillan (when healthy) have improved each year, and four LB’s from the 2020 roster are attempting to earn roster spots as rookies.