Cody Simon working on being healthy, repeating as key contributor for Ohio State in 2022

Cody Simon had a productive 2021 season, finishing with 54 tackles for Ohio State’s defense. Unfortunately, Simon was banged up throughout the season.

Simon had surgery on his right shoulder late in the season and missed the Rose Bowl and part of spring practices with the Buckeyes. Now, he’s facing a battle to climb back up the depth chart for Ohio State.

During his meeting with the media, DC Jim Knowles tabbed Steele Chambers and Tommy Eichenberg as the team’s top options at linebacker so far. Knowles included Simon and Teradja Mitchell as the next two guys on the depth chart.

Simon admitted to having a tough offseason and is still getting up to speed in fall camp.

“When you haven’t been in for a little while, you’ve got to get back to speed, and I’m still getting there right now,” Simon said according to Bill Rabinowitz with The Columbus Dispatch. “It’s not perfect. I’m still working on that, getting all the timing down and just being able to work well with the D-line and the DBs.”

Simon also admitted everyone in the linebacker group is looking to be the guy who is called upon for the defense.

“We all want to be the guy to go in,” explained Simon, “so what better motivation is there than competition?”

Hopefully, Simon is able to get healthy and return as a key contributor, either as a reserve or starter.