Josh Proctor, Ohio State Football News: Draft Scout Player News

Warning: Undefined array key "TeamID" in D:\InetPub\vhosts\scoutnation.com\draftscout.com\news.php on line 315

Warning: Undefined array key "DSTeamID" in D:\InetPub\vhosts\scoutnation.com\draftscout.com\news.php on line 316

06/23/20 - FS Josh Proctor, rSr/2024, Ohio State

OSU has seen players go from non-contributors to All-American, first-round draft pick status. Proctor's skill set suggests he can do the same, and Ohio State might need him to be all that and more. The Buckeyes haven't had a safety lead in interceptions since Damon Webb's five in 2017. It was the fifth straight season with a safety atop the team in picks. That was an Ohio State secondary that relied heavily on press-man coverage and having a free safety with the capability of sideline-to-sideline playmaking. Last season, the defensive scheme shifted to more of a zone look, which meant a player doing what Malik Hooker did in 2016 wasn't a necessity. That made Jordan Fuller the perfect fit to compliment two first-round draft picks in Okudah and Damon Arnette along with a potential 2021 first-round pick in Shaun Wade.

Defensive coordinator Kerry Coombs has a reputation of turning cornerbacks into first-rounders. Still, he's not returning to a room with two returning veterans combined with two former five-stars with plenty of experience. Last year's coordinator Jeff Hafley didn't rotate in the secondary, meaning Wade is the only returning player with more than just a handful of meaningful snaps. Proctor's playmaking ability fits what could be required from a single-high safety in 2020. When he had opportunities in 2019, Proctor showed why he has a high ceiling. But his mistakes in the Fiesta Bowl were concerning. Or perhaps it was just the result of a player put in an unfamiliar situation against Clemson's abundant talent. - Cleveland Plain Dealer

rSr/2024