Ohio State Football: What You Need to Know About Buckeyes LB Ryan Shazier

Ohio State's defense needed a spark last season after looking lifeless in several games, especially in the linebacker corps.

Enter freshman Ryan Shazier, a freshman with unbridled athleticism and a motor that could run all season long.

Shazier was originally a Florida commit before Urban Meyer stepped down for the second time as head coach of the Gators. Former Buckeye Jeremy Cash—who later transferred to Duke—was a high school teammate of Shazier's in Plantation, FL.

He helped convince Shazier that Ohio State was the place for him and the rest is history.

He instantly became a fan favorite as a dynamic player on special teams before slowly becoming a starter on the Buckeye defense towards the end of the season. On a unit with several more experienced players he quickly became their best linebacker.

Shazier has amazing speed for a linebacker, with the ability to fly all over the field and deliver crushing hits as well as being a special teams demon.

The biggest area of improvement for Shazier will be getting stronger without losing his speed. The speed and the aggressiveness that he plays with is what makes him such a dangerous player.

He basically is a lock for a starting job this season alongside Curtis Grant and Etienne Sabino, each of whom bring different skills to the table. Shazier brings his speed, Sabino his size and Grant his intelligence.

The biggest thing about Shazier that might make him a star is his ability to make game-changing plays by either making a tackle or, like he did earlier last season, blocking a punt.

Those types of plays change the momentum of football games, and very few players can make those types of plays.

Shazier is that type of player, and he is only going to get better in the years to come for Ohio State.

Follow me on Twitter @bielik_tim for the latest college football news and updates.