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Javontae Jean-Baptiste believes Ohio State’s DL has major upside: ‘It kind of scares me the things we could do’
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The Ohio State defense is scary.
At least according to them.
Talking about the Buckeyes defense, the first look is usually to Zach Harrison and Tyreke Smith, who both are expected to have big seasons in 2021. Harrison should be a first-round pick in next spring’s NFL Draft. There is also plenty of excitement around true freshman Jack Sawyer and J.T. Tuimoloau. But don’t overlook redshirt junior Javontae Jean-Baptiste.
Baptiste commented on his thoughts about the OSU defense’s potential.
Javontae Jean-Baptiste on the potential of Ohio State's defensive end unit: “Oh my god, I'm not gonna lie, it kind of scares me the things that we could do.”
— Dan Hope (@Dan_Hope) August 17, 2021
Jean-Baptiste appeared in twenty games over the past two seasons at OSU, making two starts, including the national championship game. Over his time in Columbus he has twenty tackles, 3 ½ tackles-for-loss, and 2 ½ sacks. While not seeing the amount of time as Smith or Harrison, he has contributed during key situations.
After spending his redshirt freshman season on the scout team defense, he worked to gain weight and strength and got the attention of the Ohio State staff with regard to his athleticism. Now at 255 pounds, the patience of the coaching staff to have him develop could be repaid this season.
Scott Schultz covers Michigan State Football, along with Breaking News for B1G Football & Basketball for Saturday Tradition. He also serves as an Automotive News Editor & Writer, and Softball Writer elsewhere on the web. Follow him on Twitter @SRSchultz.