We already broke down our expectations for how Ohio State could handle the quarterback position (which it has handled) and then dove into the possible running backs (which it has also handled). We also recently covered the wide receiver position (if things break a certain way), tight ends, and offensive tackle, guards, and of course, the center position that was also already addressed by the staff. But now, we have also moved onto the defensive side of the ball and hit on the defensive ends and we want to now dive into the interior at defensive tackle.
Again, as we have been saying, we are pretty late into the portal game, but I wanted to highlight some guys that would have been interesting fits for Ohio State and a few that may still be available. The big takeaway on this list is that the Michigan State Spartans are making moves to keep some of their best studs, but let’s dive into the list.
5
Jordan Guerad from FIU
More preseason notables for the Blue & Gold from Athlon Sports👀
𝙎𝙚𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙙-𝙏𝙚𝙖𝙢 𝙃𝙤𝙣𝙤𝙧𝙨
– TE Josiah Miamen
– DL Jordan Guerad (@jordanguerad99)
– LB Shaun Peterson Jr. (@pressure_3)
– P Daton Montiel (@datonmontiel_)#PawsUp pic.twitter.com/vMdM20fU50— Jonathan Mayer (@jmayer2002) May 25, 2023
Where things stand
Jordan Guerad is a great pass rusher from the interior and tallied 38 tackles and two sacks this past season. Guerad has even proven his effectiveness against top competition as he specifically shined against Arkansas. He was the only FIU player to make the All-C-USA First Team. It appears Guerad has committed to Louisville.
Merry Flip-Mas!
Louisville flips defensive lineman Jordan Guerad from Minnesotahttps://t.co/OuUYe18SwC
— Jody Demling (@jdemling) December 17, 2023
4
Kendy Charles from Liberty
Week 3 Performance
DL Kendy Charles – Liberty
• 3 Tackles
• 3 Tackles for Loss
• 3 Sacks pic.twitter.com/r9twXNRAmR— NCAAF Nation (@NCAAFNation247) September 21, 2021
Where things stand
Kendy Charles was a star on the interior of the Liberty defensive line in 2022, but dealt some injuries in 2023 which limited his production, but at 6-feet and 280-pounds, the Haiti native is an intriguing prospect. In 2022, Charles tallied 60 tackles and 5.5 sacks.
Kendy Charles 238
290 Clean and Jerk. 2 weeks until States to push 300.#SwordsUp pic.twitter.com/cw8cc5WkCq— Coach Mac (@CoachMac8740) March 30, 2019
3
Marley Cook from Middle Tennessee
Where things stand
Marley Cook was much more productive in 2022 with 9.5 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks, but despite the dip in production, it is very clear how Cook can be. Ohio State actually made a run at the graduate transfer and made Cook’s top three along with Baylor and Miami. At 6-foot 2-inches, Cook has developed into a potential star after arriving on campus as a two-star recruit from Mississippi.
2024 #CollegeFootball – Top Returning Interior D-linemen
1. Deone Walker
2. Howard Cross III
3. Kenneth Grant
4. Jamaree Caldwell
5. Walter Nolen
6. Mason Graham
7. Joey Slackman
8. Dontay Corleone
9. Rylie Mills
10. Kendy CharlesNM: Tyleik Williams, Marley Cook pic.twitter.com/tvfgqYUb8e
— Steelers Black and Gold Nation (@B_GNation1) January 24, 2024
2
Simeon Barrow from Michigan State
Where things stand
Like Harmon, Simeon Barrow was a quality piece on the interior of the Spartan defensive line. Barrow also elected to withdraw his name from the portal and go back to East Lansing. Barrow was a team captain last season so his original departure was a bit shocking, but again the new coaching staff made bringing him back a major priority and Barrow withdrew his name.
Michigan State DT Simeon Barrow is a handful, shows off his strength and quick hands getting off his blocks to make plays! (@BarrowSimeon ) pic.twitter.com/mREgUJ2UyE
— Robert Cardona (@CARDONAFAM29) June 6, 2023
1
Derrick Harmon from Michigan State
Where things stand
Derrick Harmon would have been a fun quality piece to add to the interior of the Ohio State defensive line, but Harmon has actually withdrawn his name from the portal and heading back to Michigan State. New head coach, Jonathan Smith and his staff made keeping Harmon a priority. Harmon has two seasons of eligibility remaining.
Smith said that Derrick Harmon, Simeon Barrow and Geno VanDeMark "stand out" as guys who were on last year's roster that are taking leadership roles under the new staff.
— Spartans Illustrated (@SpartansRivals) January 18, 2024
