2008 Ohio State Buckeyes Football: Third Time's a Charm, Right? Part 2

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/19416-2008-Buckeyes-Football-Third-Time-s-a-Charm-Right--230408

In the second installment, we'll take a closer look at the offensive and defensive lines. 

While the Buckeyes will return 20 starters, the 2 departures came along both lines. 

Kirk Barton and Vernon Gholston will certainly be missed, but with another young crop of talent coming up through the ranks, Ohio State shouldn't miss a beat.

Experience is key on the interior of both lines, while the talented young guys may be forced into action to replace those aforementioned departures.

Let's take a look at where the Buckeyes stand on the interior.

Offensive Line:

(LT)  Alex Boone (Sr.) – Boone is a lock at left tackle.  If he can continue his dominance from the previous season, he may be one of many Buckeyes to be taken in the first round in next year’s draft. 

 (LG)  Steve Rehring (Sr.)  - Rehring started the last 10 games at left guard, a year after he missed nine games in the ’05 season due to pneumonia.  He’s big, strong, and fairly agile for a big guy.  

 (C)    Jim Cordle(Jr.) – Cordle took over the job last year, in place of All-American Doug Datish, and played very well.  Look for Cordle, along with Boone to be the leaders among the offensive line.

(RG)  Ben Person (Sr.) – Coaches rave about his work ethic, and with his size, 6’4”, 321lbs, Person could be a surprise on an above average offensive line.  

(RT)  Connor Smith (So.) – This may come as a delight to many Ohio natives.  Smith is currently listed as the backup to Cordle at center, but I think with his size, and the absence of Barton, he would be a solid fit at right tackle.  At 6’5”, 315lbs, his size and athleticism allows him to move all around the offensive line.  

Wild Card: Justin Boren– If for nothing more than to rub it in Michigan fans’ faces, Boren will be a Buckeye, but will not be under scholarship.  NCAA and conference rules do not allow transfers in conference to remain under scholarship.  Translation: Boren would rather pay to go to Ohio State than be at Michigan for free.

Defensive Line:

(DE) Lawrence Wilson (Jr.) – With the departure of Vernon Gholston to the NFL Draft, look for Wilson to step right in and not miss a beat.  While not quite as big as Gholston was, he is faster and more athletic coming off the edge.  He looks to stay healthy this year, after breaking his leg last year. 

(DT)  Doug Worthington (Jr.) – A former defensive end in high school, Worthington has slightly beefed up to around 270, and will slide inside to defensive tackle.  While slightly undersized, he is very quick and athletic.  He also averaged a double-double in basketball at St. Francis High School. 

(DT)  Todd Denlinger(Jr.) – Denlinger still looks to be ahead of Nader Abdallah on the depth chart, and has seemingly gotten better every year as a Buckeye.  Definitely has the size and work ethic to become a star on a defensive line that is vastly underrated.

(DE)  Cameron Heyward(So.) – Son of former NFL star, Craig “Ironhead” Heyward.  Cameron possesses the size and speed, (6’6”, 280 / 4.9 40-yd dash) to be an elite pass rusher.  He may struggle in the running game, as he has a tendency to get too high.  Overall, Heyward will round out a very talented and athletic group on the defensive line. 

Wild Card: Nader Abdallah (Sr.) – Abdallah will see more playing time than last year, getting into the rotation with Denlinger and Worthington.  Another big, athletic guy on the defensive front for Ohio State, and played well at times last year.  He will look to be more consistent in his final year as a Buckeye. 

Stay tuned again as next time we'll take a look at the defensive backfield, along with the linebacking core.