Projecting the Depth Chart at Cornerback

Continuing our breakdown of the slightly early projection of the depth chart, I’ll be taking a look at how I think the cornerback position will shake out after fall camp. There’s approximately 38.65 listed at CB on the online roster, so I’ll do my best to keep it short and sweet with who I think will see meaningful playing time in the 2016 season.

CB3: Madre Harper (Fr.)

The true freshman from Lamar High School was an early enrollee, and with the relative lack of experience at CB they’ve been prepping him for playing time early. He won’t be a starter, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see him play valuable minutes in the rotation down the stretch. He’s a tall, lanky defensive back with big upside. But the learning curve will be steep. Fortunately, OSU has good experience at the top of the depth chart.

CB3: Darius Curry (R-Jr.)

Curry’s experience and leadership will play a big role in a group full of young, hungry defensive backs. He got a good taste of meaningful playing time last year, and with the freshman coming in, I think he’ll be somewhere in the deeper part of the rotation. But just like Harper, his playing time may be limited.

CB2B: Bryce Balous (R-Fr.)

Balous is a young up-and-comer who redshirted last season, but has drawn good reviews over the offseason. Coming out of high school, Balous was a safety but a switch to cornerback should benefit both Balous and OSU. He has really good size and a high ceiling, but the down side is just the lack of experience. He’s heady enough I don’t think he will be a liability despite his youth.

CB2A: Lenzy Pipkins (Sr.)

This is where the grad transfer should shine. Pipkins has a ton of experience and could be next in a long line of successful grad transfers to come through OSU. He has the size, experience, and skill to be a key cog. I’d put him No. 3 overall in the rotation behind Richards and Lampkin.

CB1B: Ramon Richards (Jr.)

After a sophomore slump last season, Richards has drawn praise from coaches and teammates this offseason as a leader ready to take the next step. Which is good timing, because OSU desperately needs a reliable CB opposite Ashton Lampkin. If he can progress in fall camp as he did this spring, there’s no question Ramon will be starting come September 3.

CB1A: Ashton Lampkin (Sr.)

Mr. Reliable is back after sitting out most of spring. He’s a guy you don’t need to worry about, because you know he can be ready no matter the circumstance. Lampkin is the veteran leader of the group and by far has the most sound technique and ability to read the play before it develops. He’ll be counted on as the No. 1 to shadow the opposing teams No. 1 guy.

Not listed

Rodarius Williams/AJ Green (Fr.)

These two freshman will likely not see playing time barring injury to the group. Both were highly touted recruits and could use the season to take advantage of a redshirt to grow mentally and physically.

Malik Kearse (Jr.)

Kearse is a junior college transfer who I think may be hard to get a read on. I don’t think he’ll see the field much but he’ll be on the depth chart somewhere. There’s no redshirt for him so I would guess he should play. I would list him running with the 3’s for now unless something changes in camp.

Read the depth chart projection at running back here.