Ohio State football: 5 Buckeyes poised for breakout seasons in 2020

GLENDALE, ARIZONA - DECEMBER 28: Wide receiver Garrett Wilson #5 of the Ohio State Buckeyes leaps to catch a pass over defensive back Derion Kendrick #1 of the Clemson Tigers during the first half of the College Football Playoff Semifinal at the PlayStation Fiesta Bowl at State Farm Stadium on December 28, 2019 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Ralph Freso/Getty Images) /

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(Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

Taron Vincent | R-Sophomore | DT

Keeping it on the defensive line, Taron Vincent has been biding his time since stepping in Columbus in 2018. Not seeing much playing time as a freshman, Vincent looked ready to step in as a breakout player in 2019, before an injury ended his season.

The former five-star recruit from IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida, received a medical redshirt for the 2019 season, instead being an extra helping hand for defensive line coach Larry Johnson. In 2020 however, Vincent is healthy and ready to make an impact on the defensive line for the Buckeyes.

With three crucial departures from last season’s interior line, Vincent will need to step in right away at the defensive tackle position for the Buckeyes. He has the skill to do it at 6-foot-2, 285 pounds too. While the skill is unquestionably there, whether or not he will be able to come back from injury is the bigger question.

Ohio State’s defenses in recent years have been anchored by their pass defense. With elite defensive linemen and cornerbacks, the Buckeyes have been one of the hardest teams to throw on in college football. The run defense, however, has been less consistent. Last season, the trio of seniors in DaVon Hamilton, Jashon Cornell and Robert Landers was great, but the year prior the Buckeye interior was often gashed.

Vincent will have to step up and be the that big man on the interior for the Buckeyes this season. All of this leads to a breakout season for him in 2020.

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