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Ohio State football: 1 offensive and 1 defensive player poised for break out in 2021

By Richard Kimball

COLUMBUS, OH - APRIL 17: Quarterback C.J. Stroud #7 of the Ohio State Buckeyes in action during the Spring Game at Ohio Stadium on April 17, 2021 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images)
COLUMBUS, OH - APRIL 17: Quarterback C.J. Stroud #7 of the Ohio State Buckeyes in action during the Spring Game at Ohio Stadium on April 17, 2021 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images) /
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Zach Harrison #9, Ohio State Buckeyes. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images
Zach Harrison #9, Ohio State Buckeyes. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images /

Zach Harrison is the next great pass-rusher from Ohio State

On the defensive side of the ball, the Buckeyes have seen just as much talent go to the NFL in recent years as the offense has, if not more, yet continue to produce every season. Ohio State is known as DBU, producing some of the best defensive backs in the NFL, but they have also been sending some of the best rushers to league as well, with the Bosa Brothers and Chase Young headlining that group.

But the pass rusher that is set to have a coming out party in 2021, is junior defensive end, Zach Harrison. Entering college, Harrison was the number one ranked defensive end in the nation, earning five-star status from the major recruiting sites, and setting up a bright future filled with high expectations in Colombus. And those expectations have been met so far in the front half of his college career.

As a freshman, Harrison finished the season with 24 tackles, 3.5 sacks, and five tackles for loss in 14 games. And as a sophomore in 2020, Harrison finished the season with two sacks and four tackles for loss, in just seven games. Had it been a full season, Harrison’s numbers would have nearly doubled from his production as a freshman. Which is the same exact production that should be expected from Harrison heading into the 2021 season.

So what do you think? Who else is ready to break out for the buckeyes? Well, one thing is for sure, both Harrison and Stroud are set for big seasons, and with the talent and coaching surrounding them, they should have no issues achieving their goal of getting the Buckeyes back into the College Football Playoff.

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