PISCATAWAY, NEW JERSEY NOVEMBER 16: Shaun Wade #24 of the Ohio State Buckeyes celebrates his interception with teammate Jeff Okudah #1 in the first quarter against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at SHI Stadium on November 16, 2019 in Piscataway, New Jersey. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

Thats because elite recruits have joined the Ohio State football team, and with player development by great coaches have madereloading seem easy, even though it is not.

The team is about a week away from beginning formal spring practices. For the veterans, it is a time to refine their strengths. For the rest, it is time to separate themselves from the pack.

Last spring, there were worries about linebacker and offensive line, units that were underperforming and lacking depth. Now both units are core strengths heading into 2020.

Quarterback was certainly an issue too. it was just easier to feelcomfortable in Justin Fields becoming an immediate star with Ryan Day at the helm.

Expectations for this program in 2020 have not changed despite losing key players.

Here are two units that need to make serious progress this spring:

Secondary

Losing Jordan Fuller, Damon Arnette and Jeffrey Okudah is a tough blow. Besides leadership and experience, they were the No. 3, No. 7 and No. 8 leading tacklers last year.

If there was one man up for the job to ensure minimal drop off it is Kerry Coombs.He lost Vonn Bell, Eli Apple and Tyvis Powell in 2016 and built a stronger unit for 2016. That magic is needed again.

Given the depth issues, I suspect hell switch back to primarily using two corners and two safeties.

Shaun Wade is the only returning player that finished in the top 15 for total tackles.He has one corner spot locked up. Look for Cameron Brown or Sevyn Banks to fill the other corner spot.

Both played well when Arnette was out with his injury. They also had the luxury of playing with experienced players all around. How will they handle full-time duties?

In nickel packages, look for the loser of the other corner spot and Marcus Williamson to fill the void.

Most will disagree with me, but replacing Fuller is the most critical need for the defense this offseason.The free safety has to be able to do everything.

Josh Proctor is the favorite. Hes definitely showed flashes of his capabilities, namely closing speed.

Even though his best game last year was against Clemson, our last memory of him is blasting Jack Coan to end the Big Ten Championship.

His athleticism makes him an ideal backend guy for this defense.

The strong safety spot is wide open. No one returns with any meaningful experience.

Ill say Marcus Hooker begins making his own mark on the program. Hes got the tools, and with Coombs coaching should make the leap to starter.

See the article here:

Ohio State Football: Two units that must progress this spring - Scarlet and Game