Ohio State secondary coach Tim Walton has been active in strengthening the Buckeyes defensive skill unit this off-season. On Friday, May 17, 2024, Ohio State added safety Keenan Nelson Jr from South Carolina via the transfer portal. This is the second Safety the Buckeyes added from the transfer portal this offseason after adding former Alabama safety Caleb Downs. Keenan Nelson Jr played three seasons at South Carolina and will have three years of eligibility left at Ohio State.
#BIA 🅾️ pic.twitter.com/ScOnXbuHgF
— Keenan Nelson Jr (@KeenanNelsonJr1) May 17, 2024
Keenan Nelson Jr Provides Ohio State With Depth
The only thing the Ohio State secondary was lacking was depth at safety. Right now on their depth chart Ohio State is listed as two-deep at both safety spots. Lathan Ransom and Caleb Downs will remain the starters but Nelson Jr gives the Buckeyes reliable depth if one of the starters were to go down with an injury.
Keenan Nelson Jr has also put some versatility on display during his time at South Carolina. During his time at South Carolina, Nelson Jr lined up at both free safety and strong safety, as well as Nickel back. Nelson Jr will also play on special teams, giving those units a boost as well.
Ohio State’s newest addition, Keenan Nelson Jr. from South Carolina, will give the #Buckeyes much-needed safety depth.
But he also can make an impact on special teams right away.
Here’s him blocking a punt and returning it for six vs. Vandy last season.pic.twitter.com/S8feBnEEhR
— Andy Backstrom (@andybackstrom) May 17, 2024
Keenan Nelson Jr Brings Ohio State Run-Stopping Ability
Where Keenan Nelson Jr has excelled during his college career is in run support. Nelson Jr has not seen a lot of time in his young career yet, but got a start against North Carolina a season ago where he recorded for total tackles. In that game, he recorded a 72.3-run defense PFF grade, which is above average.
Keenan Nelson got the start at nickel in the season opener last year against North Carolina. He finished with four tackles pic.twitter.com/JpqR6qnUy4
— Tony Gerdeman (@TonyGerdeman) May 23, 2024
Later in the season Nelson Jr saw an increased snap count against Jacksonville State, a game in which he recorded two tackles. He also posted an 80.5 tackle grade on PFF which is considered good on their scale.
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