Forgotten former in-state star named as sleeper presence as Buckeyes search for a new playmaker in secondary

The Ohio State Buckeyes are replacing almost half their defensive production from their 2024 National Championship team, giving this staff a massive challenge. On top of that, this is a roster being developed by two new coordinators and several assistants who weren't part of last year's journey. Being tied for 79th in returning production doesn't help them sleep easier.

Thankfully, the Buckeyes recruit about as well as any program in the country. They've been recession-proof over the last few decades, and figure to make the College Football Playoff again in 2025. Even if they're not title favorites, they'll have the chance to repeat.

One of the key areas concern is in the secondary. While Caleb Downs and Davison Igbinosun are high-end talents, the remaining spots will have competitions. Cornerback is one of those big battles, and we could see five-star freshman Devin Sanchez in the rotation.

But don't forget about a player who logged only one tackle in the entire 2024 season: Bryce West. The 6-foot defender was behind fellow corner Aaron Scott Jr. (the top-ranked player in Ohio in the 2024 class) and fell behind veterans who played the vast majority of available snaps.

Jeremy Birmingham and Austin Ward of the Austin & Birm Show was willing to go quite far with his optimism on West's outlook this fall. They're excited about Scott, but West is the guy drawing a ton of internal buzz.

"To me it's the other in-state corner...I'm being barraged left and right people talking about 'Don't sleep on Bryce West. Bryce West might be the starting slot.' Pay attention. He's healthy, which he wasn't in the fall. He looks significantly bigger and more confident. There's something happening there."

As of now, Igbinosun and Jermaine Mathews seem locked in as outside starters. Then, it's between Sanchez, Scott, and West fighting to start in the slot and potentially rotate with Mathews and in the slot.

We should see all three young corners on the field throughout the season, which is exciting as the Buckeyes break in their next generation of stars.

Allen Trieu wrote this for Scott's scouting report back in 2023 before he reached Ohio State:

Has enough size and measureables to project to a high major level. Has a track background and has run as fast as 10.93 in the 100-meter dash and 6.96 in the 60-meter dash. Also has offensive snaps and has shown himself to be a breakaway threat as a running back. Has played man for his school and also shown he can do that in a camp or workout setting. Shows good ball skills. Will put his nose in the action and lay a hit. Doesn't show a single elite trait but is solid in every area. Continuing to add polish while building upon his quicks and long speed, which are already good, are keys for his developmental future.