Fansided

30 college football players with big shoes to fill in 2017

By Brad Weiss

Apr 9, 2016; Clemson, SC, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Kelly Bryant (2) after faking the pass during the first quarter of the spring game at Clemson Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 9, 2016; Clemson, SC, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Kelly Bryant (2) after faking the pass during the first quarter of the spring game at Clemson Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
17 of 30
Next
Oct 3, 2015; Bloomington, IN, USA; Indiana Hoosiers running back Ricky Brookins (33) is stopped on a punt return by Ohio State Buckeyes safety Vonn Bell (11),left, Erick Smith (1) and Chris Worley (35),right, in third quarter of their game at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kryger-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 3, 2015; Bloomington, IN, USA; Indiana Hoosiers running back Ricky Brookins (33) is stopped on a punt return by Ohio State Buckeyes safety Vonn Bell (11),left, Erick Smith (1) and Chris Worley (35),right, in third quarter of their game at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kryger-USA TODAY Sports /
14

Erick Smith

Safety, Ohio State

The Ohio State Buckeyes were expected to challenge for a national title in 2016, and they did just that, as they were one of four schools selected to play in the College Football Playoff. However, their shot at a championship was obliterated by the strong right arm of Deshaun Watson. Their 31-0 loss on New Years Eve spelled the end of the career of star safety Malik Hooker, who would be selected in the first round of the NFL Draft this past week.

Replacing Hooker is going to be very difficult, as he was the kind of player that does not come around too often. A true centerfielder from his safety position, Hooker struck fear in the hearts of quarterbacks, leading the Buckeyes to an impressive two-loss season in 2016. It will be up to Erick Smith to take the reins from Hooker this upcoming season, and he certainly has the talent to be an impact player.

The senior is an incredible athlete, but did have a major knee injury during his time with the Buckeyes. He appeared in 12 games last season after missing half of the 2015 campaign due to that knee injury. A seasoned veteran on the roster, he is battling sophomore Jordan Fuller for the job, but he will likely be the starter when the season rolls around.

The Buckeyes will have to replace three first round picks in their secondary in 2017, and there is certainly a chance they will take a step back. The Big Ten East Division is going to be strong once again, but with Damon Webb and Smith at the safety spots, the Buckeyes defense should be solid. Head coach Urban Meyer will not stand for losing, and Smith has been on campus long enough to know he has to step up in 2017.

Home/College Football