Coach says Ohio State’s safety depth ‘needs to improve’

The Ohio State Buckeyes have one of the best starting secondary units in all of college football heading into the 2024 regular season. Not only are there plenty of talented cornerbacks on the roster, but Caleb Downs and Lathan Ransom are expected to break out as starting safeties.

Even though Ransom missed some time last season due to injury and Downs is a new player for the Buckeyes after transferring from Alabama, there should be confidence in both players.

In a full season in 2022, Ransom racked up 65 total tackles, 1.5 sacks, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery and one interception. In a stellar rookie season with the Crimson Tide, Downs was named a 2023 Freshman All-American after racking up over 100 total tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, two interceptions, five passes defensed, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery.

As for what the Buckeyes currently have behind the two starters on the depth chart, defensive coordinator Jim Knowles addressed some depth concerns. While he identified sophomore Malik Hartford and freshman Jaylen McClain as the two who will emerge as top backups, there is more work to be done.

“We have two players who haven’t proven themselves and are still learning,” Knowles said. “And every practice is a learning experience and a challenge, especially if they’re facing our top receivers. Our depth at safety needs to improve.”

Facing Ohio State’s wide receivers will not only challenge the depth of the Buckeyes’ secondary, but it should test each opposing team’s starting secondaries.

Despite his inexperience, Hartford did get some reps last season and had 10 total tackles. He was expected to be the No. 3 safety this year, but McClain’s quick jump is intriguing. McClain was a three-star prospect in the class of 2024 and was ranked the No. 48 safety by 247 Sports.

Hopefully, for Ohio State’s sake, both players can perform well in the upcoming scrimmage on Saturday and finish fall camp on a strong note. That will likely make Knowles, the rest of the coaching staff and the fan base feel even better.