Jim Knowles: Ohio State Defensive Ends Are 'as Good as Anyone in the Country'
Jim Knowles is set to begin his second year as helmsman of the Ohio State Buckeyes defense after a strong start last season.
The Buckeyes finished the 2022 campaign ranked among the top 15 teams in total defense and top-10 in fourth-down conversion defense, while tying for the 12th-most defensive touchdowns with six (two of which were off of returned interceptions).
On Monday during his final media session before the opening weekend, Knowles said his defensive line and ends, (whom together are known as "The Rushmen") look capable of taking on the best teams in college football.
"Our 'Rushmen' have had a great camp," Knowles said. "We have four (defensive) ends there that I think are as good as anyone in the country."
Knowles specifically mentioned the defensive ends, a position at which he says he has plenty of quality options all the way down the depth chart.
"I think the depth there is fantastic," Knowles said. "I think you have elite players, (and) you have potentially elite players: J.T. (Tuimoloau), Jack (Sawyer), Kenyatta (Jackson), Caden Curry is just a guy who's going to show up and make plays. You got four really good ends, you know, and I feel the rush has been strong."
Tuimoloau played a curcial role in Ohio State's 44-31 victory against Penn State on October 29, 2022. The Edgewood, Washington-native finished the game with two sacks, two interceptions (one of which he returned for a touchdown) and a forced fumble (which he recovered).
Sawyer also had a big year last season, recording 24 total tackles and a pass deflection while tying for the team lead with 4.5 sacks.
Knowles said the defense's energy and will to compete has been evident over the last month of Fall Camp practices.
"We've felt it," Knowles said. "We've felt it, and seen it during camp."
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