Ohio State has produced some quality defensive lineman over the course of the last twenty years or so. From national-championship-winning Will Smith in the early 2000’s to Cameron Heyward to the likes of Nick and Joey Bosa, the Buckeyes seem to always have a stud defensive lineman or two on its roster.
In fact, a Buckeye has been named the Smith–Brown Defensive Lineman of the Year (a reward that is annually given to Big Ten’s best defensive lineman) each of the last four seasons. Could sophomore Defensive end Chase Young be next in line?
After having a spectacular sophomore season, current Buckeye and junior-to-be Nick Bosa was named the Smith–Brown Defensive Lineman of the Year in 2017, and he’s expected to have an even better 2018 campaign, especially now that there will be less depth on the d-line with the departure of Tyquan Lewis and Sam Hubbard.
However, expect for there to be a lot of double teams on Bosa, as his name is well-established at this point. That would only leave bigger lanes of opportunity for Chase Young, a former five-star recruit who is expected to have a big year.
Before Young ever played a single snap for Buckeyes, 247Sports’ Director of Recruiting Steve Wiltfong gushed over him, saying, “He’s a guy that has the upside to be the No. 1 pick in the NFL draft,”
Wiltfong’s not the only one to make that speculation about the 6’5″ 240 lb Young, as my friend and former Ohio State defensive lineman Jalyn Holmes made a similar statement.
So, while Nick Bosa is considered the best defensive lineman on Ohio State’s roster (and the best in the Big Ten conference), expect Chase Young to put up similar, or perhaps even better, numbers than him this coming season.
Though we have all talked the talk, it’s ultimately up to Chase Young to walk the walk. How about we just interview the quarterbacks of other Big Ten teams in a couple of years and get their opinion on the matter? That is if they’re off of injury reserve yet, of course. Just kidding, just kidding.
Nevertheless, the question still remains. Will Chase Young be the Big Ten’s next breakout star on defense? Perhaps. All I know is that it will be fun to find out!