Ohio State Football: 7 Upperclassmen Who Will Surprise Buckeye Fans in 2012

Ohio State's roster is undoubtedly bottom heavy with talented underclassmen, starting with sophomore quarterback Braxton Miller as the headliner.

Nearly half of the team's starting skill positions on both sides of the ball belong to a player of young caliber, especially throughout the wide receiver depth chart.

However, it's the upperclassmen that will lead the way for the Buckeyes this upcoming fall. Their performance and leadership on and off the field will determine the outcome of this bowl-less season.

Familiar names like Jake Stoneburner, John Simon and C.J. Barnett are expected to be exceptional contributors this year, but will need a little help from their counterparts in order to restore dominance as a member of the Big Ten and set high standards for a potential national championship run in 2013-14.

Here is a list of Ohio State juniors and seniors that will surprise you this football season.

Nathan Williams, DE

Okay, so this doesn't really come to anyone's surprise, but I wanted to reiterate the fact that Nathan Williams should in fact be 100 percent healthy and in "wreak-havoc mode" by Week 1.

The Buckeyes' defensive line missed Williams' versatility last season, as it lacked consistency and at times looked sluggish.

With Williams alongside Garrett Goebel, Johnathan Hankins and John Simon, plus Michael Bennett and Adam Bellamy providing some much-needed depth, the D-line should be one of the more stronger units on the team. 

Zach Boren, FB/RB

Used primarily as a blocking fullback, senior Zach Boren has compiled just one carry through his three-year collegiate career with Ohio State.

That's all about to change with the offensive scheme Urban Meyer has installed.

Boren is expected to get plenty of touches this fall, in both spread-option and power formations. He's a load to bring down and is surprisingly shifty despite his 6'1", 245-pound frame.

"He is someone who can wiggle in space," said Meyer, according to ESPN. "He is much better than I thought. He can catch and carry the football.” 

Corey (Philly) Brown, WR

Corey (Philly) Brown has been underwhelming during his stay in Columbus so far, to say the least. He's struggled to catch the ball between the hashes and has not lived up to expectations as a deep threat (just 14.6 yards per catch).

That said, he will play a huge role in the Buckeyes' new offense.

Ohio State desperately needs Brown to play to his potential as the starting flanker (H) this upcoming season, where he is expected to make catches all over the field for Braxton Miller.

We can expect Brown to also take motion handoffs, run drag routes and lure the safeties away from the flats (area on the field between the line of scrimmage and 10 yards into the defensive backfield).

Brown was never a fit for Jim Tressel's offensive system. He doesn't block well and he's not big enough to create separation outside the numbers.

But Meyer's new system fits his skill set perfectly, and we could see Brown easily becoming Miller's No. 1 passing target.

Corey Linsley, C

Corey Linsley was nowhere to be found through his first three seasons with Ohio State before blowing competition away this offseason and winning the starting job as the team's center.

And I'm not being over-dramatic when I say that he played absolutely no role on the team until now.

"I really didn't see myself as accomplishing too much," Linsley told ESPN.com about his career. "I wasn't putting in all the time to be a great player. I was just doing enough to get by, and thought that was good enough. Obviously, last year showed that it wasn't."

Making the transition from being a backup guard to anchoring the offensive line as a center, Linsley has become a leader overnight and has shown significant improvement from his first three below-average seasons with the Buckeyes.

Expectations are rising for Linsley as he replaces long-time starter Mike Brewster. He's an extremely strong, aggressive and intelligent player that should help the Buckeyes' pocket offense and rushing game expand considerably.

Etienne Sabino, OLB

Etienne Sabino is an upcoming senior with arguably the most to prove for the Buckeyes' defense this season.

Previously a 5-star recruit for the class of 2008, Sabino has been mediocre at best as a starting linebacker; he's lacked speed, aggressiveness and the ability to follow through with his tackles.

But this is the year everything changes for the 6'3", 236-pound Miami (Fla.) native. He's been working very hard over the past several months to drop weight in order to increase speed and agility, shedding nearly 20 pounds since the Gator Bowl.

This should help him get to the ball a lot quicker, which has been difficult for him in years past.

Playing outside will likely be an advantage to Sabino, who makes the transition from middle linebacker. Sophomore Curtis Grant has already filled that void, while sophomore Ryan Shazier will play opposite. 

Garrett Goebel, DT

Senior Garrett Goebel returns as Ohio State's starting defensive tackle, where he contributed 32 tackles and a sack in 2011.

Goebel will be heavily relied upon as a run stopper, which should be no problem with his 6'4", 290-pound body frame and ridiculous strength. He also is very proficient at moving his feet, possessing above-average agility for his position that will allow him to put pressure on the quarterback.

In his fourth season with the Buckeyes, Goebel is well aware of his role and knows the defense in and out. His outstanding spring performance hints that he'll have an explosive senior year. 

Carlos Hyde, RB

Junior running back Carlos Hyde was listed behind Jordan Hall in Ohio State's depth chart, with assumptions that he'd be the primary power-formation starter.

Now we can assume that he'll be the main carrier every snap with Hall's injury likely keeping him out until at least Week 3, and potentially all season with a medical redshirt.

Either way, Hyde is now the go-to-guy in the backfield and could see anywhere from 150-200 touches this year, including work in the passing game.

Meyer will utilize his versatility to the fullest extent, as Hyde excels as a power runner but can also make plays in the open field and contribute in other vital areas such as special teams.

Hyde had a very productive spring, where he was a favorite of Meyer's. This should carry on to the regular season.