Jim Knowles identifies area of concern for Ohio State defense heading into 2022 season

Jim Knowles has high expectations for Ohio State’s defense in 2022, but there’s an area of concern. Speaking to the media Tuesday, the first-year Buckeye defensive coordinator pointed to the depth at cornerback due to injuries as a potential issue.

Jordan Hancock is currently dealing with an injury. Knowles could not answer if it will be a long-term issue.

Speaking on the injury issues at corner, Jim Knowles was asked if Jordan Hancock’s situation would be a short or long-term issue.

“That’s above my pay grade,” he said.

— Dillon Davis (@DillonDavis56) August 9, 2022

To address depth concerns with a “banged-up” cornerback unit, the Buckeyes are cross-training safeties Jantzen Dunn and Cam Martinez.

Jim Knowles said Cam Martinez and Jantzen Dunn took some reps at corner today because the Buckeyes have been banged up at corner this summer.

He said depth at corner will be a long-term issue or area or concern.

— Dillon Davis (@DillonDavis56) August 9, 2022

Cam Martinez has been playing some cornerback for OSU while a few regular corners have dealt with injury issues.

Jim Knowles says he’s “locked in” and hasn’t made many mistakes.

— Griffin Strom (@GriffinStrom3) August 9, 2022

Knowles doesn’t see the issue being resolved in the near future.

“I think it’s long-term,” Knowles said of the cornerback depth concerns, per Natahn Baird of Cleveland.com. “I think we’re going to have to keep those guys fresh.

“We’re going to have to dual-train, like Cam, Jantzen. Because you’re going to get corners who run all the time, back and forth. You’re going to get the soft-tissue injuries and we need to be fresh. It’s definitely something we’re keeping our eyes on and making sure we get multiple guys there repetitions.”