Ohio State started their spring practices this week, and one change was especially notable, standout Safety Sonny Styles was practicing with the linebackers. With the Buckeyes returning most of their defensive starters, and landing big names in the transfer portal, there was little doubt heading into camp about the talent this unit has.
Styles was the number 1 ranked safety in the 2022 recruiting class and started at that position for the Ohio State Buckeyes last season. Styles has been known to be a jack of all trades, and proved to be a player that could both stop the run and make plays in the secondary. Styles was especially successful as a run defender last year where he received an elite grade of 84.2 in that category per PFF player grades.
Styles has always had the physical tools of a versatile defender measuring in at 6’4 222 pounds heading into camp last year. Styles spent this offseason impressing in the weight room, being named one of the players to receive the Iron Buckeye honor for the winter workout sessions. Coming into camp this year Styles weighed in at 235 pounds, nearly 13 pounds heavier than a season ago.
Iron Buckeyes of 2024 ⚒️
⭐️ @joshfryar2
⭐️ @sonnystyles_
⭐️ @DaveIgbinosun pic.twitter.com/AmAk7mPDwM— Ohio State Football (@OhioStateFB) March 5, 2024
Key Departures at the Position
Going into this season the Ohio State Buckeyes will have to replace multiyear starters Tommy Eichenberg and Steele Chambers. Senior Cody Simon appears to be a shoe in for one of the linebacker spots, given his experience, and stellar play last season. However, the other spot appears to be up for grabs, giving Styles an immediate chance to compete. Junior CJ Hicks, who came into Ohio State as a top recruit will also be in the mix for that linebacker spot.
Ohio State Adds Caleb Downs via the Transfer Portal
Although Styles is moving from his safety spot, the Buckeyes already have their replacement on the back end bringing in highly touted Alabama transfer Caleb Downs. Caleb Downs had a standout season a year ago earning him a top 10 grade at the position per PFF player grades. The Buckeyes will also be returning multiyear starter Lathan Ransom on the back end who looks to build on maybe his best year as a Buckeye.
Going forward it will be interesting to see how Sonny Styles performs in camp. There has been speculation that we will still see him get time back at Safety, and even near the line of scrimmage as an edge defender.
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2 Comments
Great info.. Dude reminds me of Isaiah Simmons.
He plays a lot like Isaiah Simmons for sure. Lets see if he has some great playoff moments in him like Simmons did.