Sophomore linebacker Jonathan Newsome from Glenville could be among many young players to get an extended look against Eastern Michigan.
Ohio State's Jonathan Newsome (right) and Aaron Gant (8) join Ohio's Dallas Brown in chasing a Brown fumble in the third quarter of last Saturday's game. The Buckeyes' Devon Torrence eventually recovered the ball.COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Jonathan Newsome's big break last week didn't lead to much.
Starting strongside linebacker Andrew Sweat missed Saturday's game against Ohio University with an injury, which elevated sophomore Newsome onto the first team. But against the Bobcats, Ohio State stayed in a nickel defense most of the game, so there wasn't a need for a strongside linebacker.
Against 44-point underdog Eastern Michigan this week, plenty of OSU backups could see playing time, so Newsome may get a bigger chance, even though Sweat is scheduled to return to the starting lineup.
The Buckeyes have two senior starting linebackers in Ross Homan and Brian Rolle, so Saturday's game, the last before Big Ten play, could be something of a very early tryout for the next generation of linebackers. That group includes Sweat; Etienne Sabino, who is scheduled to redshirt at middle linebacker this season and be a junior next year; sophomore middle linebacker Storm Klein; and redshirt freshman weakside linebacker Dorian Bell.
Don't forget Newsome.
"I just try to do my best every day and then hard work pays off and hopefully one day I'll be a starter," said Newsome, who is 6-foot-3 and 220 pounds. "I'll be that SAM linebacker one day."
In practice and scrimmages, Newsome has shown a nose for the ball, and his size gives him versatility. While Sweat and Sabino, both new to strongside linebacker, battled for that starting spot in the preseason, Newsome made it clear he's been the No. 2 guy on the depth chart there since last season.
"I feel like I can't let anybody come in and try to take anything," Newsome said. "So if I'm No. 2, I'll be the best No. 2 I can be. And when they move me into the starting lineup, I'll be the best starter I can be."
For now, Newsome knows he's needed on the struggling kick coverage unit, especially with Bell out this week with an injury. If he does his job there, he's certain he'll be asked to do more in the future.
"I'm still young, so I'm not in a hurry," Newsome said. "I want to get out there, but I know what my role is and I'm happy with my role. That's special teams right now, but I know special teams will open the door for me to get out there with the regular defense."
Newsome, and many other young backups, may have their last best shot at regular roles this season on Saturday.
Transfer works: Florida State transfer Dionte Allen, just weeks after joining the Buckeyes, was awarded one of Ohio State's scout team awards for his practice work before the Ohio game. Allen was a high school roommate in Michigan of OSU senior receiver Taurian Washington, was recruited by the Buckeyes out of high school and was a logical fit in Columbus once he decided to move on.
He has a year of eligibility left and could fight for a starting spot next season when the secondary loses a lot of seniors.
"He's a competitive guy," OSU coach Jim Tressel said. "Anytime you walk into a new group, you feel as if that group's sizing you up and you want to show people what you're made of."