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| Roby is ready for a break-out year |
The Ohio State secondary was rated as the best overall secondary in the Big Ten according to Tom Dienhart of the B1G Network. Dienhart goes one step further, continuing his praise for Ohio State's secondary unit by calling it "one of the best secondaries in the nation."
Here's how he looks at the secondary:
"1. Ohio State - All four starters are back for what should be one of the best secondaries in the nation. Cornerback Bradley Roby was a freshman sensation in 2011. His next stop: stardom. Travis Howard forms the other half of this strong corner tandem.
Christian Bryant (strong) and C.J. Barnett (free) are a stout duo at safety. Barnett is one of best safeties in the Big Ten. In fact, he may be the top safety, flashing instincts, tackling ability and coverage skills."
The rest of the top 5 include Michigan State, Nebraska, Michigan and Illinois. He ranks the rest of the B1G, but here are the explanations for the top 5.
"2. Michigan State - Losing star safety Trenton Robinson hurts, but this still shapes up as a strong secondary. Johnny Adams rates as one of the top corners in the Big Ten—and the nation. He’s a legit Thorpe Award candidate and likely first-round draft choice. Darqueze Dennard is the ying to Adams yan, a corner with size and coverage skills who often is tested with Adams on the other side.
Strong safety Isaiah Lewis came into his own as a premier talent with All-Big Ten ability last season. Kurtis Drummond is penciled in at Robinson’s strong safety slot. Coaches like his potential."
"3. Nebraska - The Cornhuskers are strong at safety even with the loss of Austin Cassidy. Strong safety Daimion Stafford should be one of the stars of the secondary and maybe the best player on the defense. He’s a big hitter who covers a lot of ground. Free safety P.J. Smith is a veteran who knows the defense and rarely is out of position. There is talent at cornerback but little experience. Standout Alfonzo Dennard is gone, which hurts. Mohammed Seisay arrived from a junior college in the spring and looks like a potential star as the No. 1 corner. Andrew Green and Ciante Evans—among others–also figure in at corner. Former running back Braylon Heard could an asset as a nickel or dime back."
"4. Michigan - This unit is coming off a strong season—and it could be even better in 2012. Cornerback Blake Countess enjoyed a big debut last season and looks like a future star. He’ll pair with J.T. Floyd to form a nice corner tandem. Floyd is bigger and thicker than Countess but still can cover with aplomb.
Courtney Avery also will be a factor at a corner spot that will be a strength. Savvy veteran safety Jordan Kovacs is a former walk-on who has blossomed into a leader. He is an underrated athlete who runs well and likes to hit. At free safety, Thomas Gordon has range, speed and a nose for the ball. He’s able to cover from sideline to sideline. This unit may have to tighten coverage to compensate for pass rush that has something to prove."
"5. Illinois - There’s plenty of speed and athletic ability for a group that benefitted from a strong line in 2011. Just one starter is gone, but it’s a good one: cornerback Tavon Wilson, who was a second-round NFL selection. Terry Hawthorne is a big-play corner who will be the unquestioned star of the unit. He also figures to double as a receiver because of his uber athletic ability.
Staffers have confidence in Justin Green taking Wilson’s spot. Green arrived on campus as a running back but has developed into a good corner. Free safety Supo Sanni is built like a linebacker. He loves to hit but often struggles in coverage. Steve Hull is an aggressive strong safety with speed. He could be a star this fall."
