California linebacker verbally commits to OSU
As part of a COLUMBUS — reworked defense, Ohio State will debut a new position this season.
It is called the “bullet,” a hybrid linebacker/safety role designed by co-defensive coordinator Greg Mattison and linebackers coach Al Washington.
The Buckeyes are now targeting high school prospects for it.
One player perhaps will be Kourt Williams, a fourstar outside linebacker from St. John Bosco in Bellflower, California. On Wednesday, Williams committed to Ohio State.
The commitment was publicized in a video that Williams posted on social media. St. John Bosco is the same high school that produced Wyatt Davis, a redshirt sophomore for the Buckeyes who is expected to start at one of the guard spots this season.
Recruiting analysts consider Williams to be versatile enough for the “bullet” position, and his size makes him a logical candidate. 247Sports listed Williams at 6-foot-1 and 216 pounds, smaller than other linebacker commits in Ohio State’s 2020 recruiting class but possibly boasting speed closer to a defensive back.
According to MaxPreps, Williams compiled 74 tackles, including two for a loss, and two sacks as a junior.
When Mattison and Washington were assistants at Michigan, they used a similar “viper” position on defense. One of the players who lined up there was standout Jabrill Peppers.
In an interview with reporters during spring practice, Washington referred to the ideal candidate for the position as a “playmaker.”
After Williams’ announcement, the Buckeyes are up to 22 commitments for their 2020 class and will approach the NCAA maximum by the end of summer, months before the early signing period in December. The other linebacker commitments are Cody Simon, a four-star prospect from New Jersey, and Mitchell Melton, a three-star from Maryland.