The 2023 college football season is right around the corner and the Big Ten is loaded with top-notch talent. Predicting who will end up on the All-Big Ten has proven challenging. Not only was it hard to choose one player over another, but it was also hard to admit that some of Ohio State’s most prominent rivals have some serious dogs on their squad.
This list dives into the defensive linemen — and as expected — the Big Ten has some dominant defensive linemen that make it very hard to narrow it down to just four. This list may appear biased considering the number of Buckeyes who made the list, but it would be hard for the most objective fan to deny the insane talent Ohio State has on the front four.
Defensive Line: J.T. Tuimoloau, Ohio State
Why the Pick
J.T. Tuimoloau has all of the upside to be a first-round draft selection next year and likely will be, but his play and production need to finally match his elite physical traits. This is the year. With only six sacks in two years with the Buckeyes, Tuimoloau is primed to surpass that number in just one season in 2023.
J.T. Tuimoloau had one of the best defensive performances in Ohio State history.pic.twitter.com/cklFjGjnon
— Mr. Ohio (@MrOH1O) October 30, 2022
Defensive Line: Jack Sawyer, Ohio State
Why the Pick
Jack Sawyer has 7.5 career sacks at Ohio State, but like Tuimoloau above, he is expected to play much closer to his five-star ceiling in 2023. My money is on Sawyer becoming a star this season with his unique ability to play in space.
Ohio State Buckeyes in Training
The Columbus 500
This is Buckeye's defensive stalwart Jack Sawyer @jacksawyer40 the 6'4" 267 lb sophomore Defensive End out of Pickerington North High School, Ohio.
Not a whole lotta 19 year old dudes repping 500 pounds on the trap bar deadlift.… pic.twitter.com/F9kp9mSu8C— ed cicale (@The_Workout) March 5, 2023
Defensive Lineman: Michael Hall Jr.
Why the Pick
Michael Hall is going to be the leader and most dangerous threat for a much improved interior defensive line unit at Ohio State. Rumor has it Hall was the fast defensive lineman during spring at 285 pounds.
Can't wait for this Michael Hall Jr. to be unleashed the entire season 😤pic.twitter.com/hOkMuMweQ7 https://t.co/GWAAti6tcl
— BIA 🌰 (@Buckeye_Zone6) March 28, 2023
Defensive Lineman: Chop Robinson, Penn State
Why the Pick
Chop Robinson had 5.5 sacks last season as well as 10 tackles for a loss and is primed to increase those numbers in 2023. Last season was Robinson’s first as a Nittany Lion after transferring in from Maryland, and it is reasonable to expect a huge increase in production for his second season on campus.
2024 NFL Draft Prospect watch:
Penn State DE Chop Robinson
6'4 250lbs 5.5 sacks in ‘22PFF grades:
– 91.6 Overall Grade (1st)
– 92.4 Pass Rush Grade (1st)
– 16 Pressures (6th)– Ideal Edge build w/ room to add lbs
– violent spin move + pass rushing tech
pic.twitter.com/cBqEI3wHrj— Jared Tokarz (@JaredNFLDraft) June 14, 2023
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