Larry Johnson, the veteran defensive line coach at Ohio State, is gearing up for his 13th season with the Buckeyes, and he's got a lot on his plate. With the NFL Draft looming and a host of players departing, Johnson is tasked with reshaping his defensive line and ensuring the team's depth is up to par. In an interview, Johnson shared his insights on the team's progress, the challenges they face, and the strategies he's employing to tackle them.
One of the key areas of focus is the development of the defensive ends. Johnson is particularly impressed with Qua Russaw, who he describes as a physically strong player with great speed. "I think he's very physically strong. I mean, he's probably strong at the point of attack with his hands and body. He's just amazing. A guy at 245 pounds that can set the edge the way he does it, and he can bring great speed to the table." Johnson's high praise for Russaw is well-deserved, as the player has shown significant improvement in his strength and explosiveness.
Johnson also highlighted the importance of James Smith's transformation. "I think he's making a jump, but I think it's a work in progress. In a sense, I mean, it's a different culture here. Obviously, he's coming from Alabama, coming here, learning new things, learning new techniques." Smith's journey from Alabama to Ohio State has been challenging, but Johnson is confident that he's making progress and embracing the new culture.
The coach also discussed the importance of depth along the line. "I feel pretty good. We've got some guys on the inside that have played now. We have guys coming in from the transfer portal, played 300-something plays. So that's a bonus. The guys will have some experience." Johnson is optimistic about the team's depth, but he's also aware of the challenges they face, particularly with the departure of key players like Kayden McDonald and Caden Curry.
One of the players Johnson is particularly excited about is Eddrick Houston. "I think he grew a little bit, you know what I mean? He sat back, a lot of pressure on him to try to get it done. And I think that now that he's in the best position he can possibly be, he's healthier, now he's got a chance to really compete and play a lot of football for us." Houston's injury-plagued 2025 season was a learning experience, and Johnson is confident that he's ready to make a big impact this year.
In conclusion, Larry Johnson is facing a challenging but exciting season. With a mix of experienced players and fresh talent, he's confident that the team's depth is up to par. As the Buckeyes gear up for the upcoming season, Johnson's insights and strategies will be crucial in ensuring the team's success. From developing young talent to reshaping the defensive line, Johnson is leaving no stone unturned in his quest to build a championship-winning team.
