-
Follow us on Twitter @buckeyeplanet and @bp_recruiting, like us on Facebook! Enjoy a post or article, recommend it to others! BP is only as strong as its community, and we only promote by word of mouth, so share away!
- Thread starter MD Buckeye
- Start date
Bummer, I was really looking forward to watching him in the Spring Game. But it is this summer and fall that matters, get well soon Baron!
Upvote
0
Must have been just scraping/shaving off the dangling parts cuz labrum surgery is usually almost a year rehab.. never less than 6 mths
Upvote
0
ScriptOhio
Everybody is somebody else's weirdo.
BETTER KNOW A BUCKEYE: BARON BROWNING
This week's Better Know a Buckeye feature continues with a profile of Baron Browning, a linebacker from the Fort Worth area.
BARON BROWNING
I retell this story below and the reasons Browning highlighted that encouraged him to leave Texas, and the South more generally, for Ohio State. Thereafter, I provide a scouting report of the No. 1 outside linebacker prospect in the country. I project a redshirt amid a crowded depth chart and a small injury concern for Browning before closing with highlight film for the reader to watch at the end of the feature.
HIS RECRUITMENT
Browning's recruitment starts the summer after his freshman year. He hit the camp circuit, performing under Art Briles' watchful eyes on June 1, 2014. He left with a scholarship offer, his first. This portended some major offers to follow as Oklahoma State and Arkansas each extended scholarship offers after impressive camp performances that summer.
His sophomore year was a bigger boon for his recruitment as Browning racked up offers from major programs across the country. It started that fall of 2014 with offers from Nebraska, UCLA, and Washington. It continued later in spring 2015 with offers from Alabama, Ohio State, Oklahoma, Texas, and USC. This interest underscored a central theme early into Browning's recruitment that held through its duration: Baron Browning was the No. 1 outside linebacker prospect in his 2017 class and a certain five-star.
These majors offers, even the visit to Tuscaloosa concurrent with his scholarship offer, were unable to shake the trajectory of a recruitment that increasingly favored Baylor. Baron Browning's father, Barry Sr., played for TCU in the 1990s. His defensive coordinator there for a year was Phil Bennett, who served as Baylor's defensive coordinator from 2011 through 2016. That connection, combined with its status as his first offer and college football's nouveau riche of the time, made Baylor the favorite for Browning's services.
Browning's comments upon his July 18, 2015 commitment to Baylor largely reiterated those points. He identified Baylor as a "brand" of which he wanted to be part. He talked up his connection with the coaching staff, including Art Briles and Jim Gush, his would-be future position coach.
Browning said he was 100% committed to Baylor and would not repudiate himself from his word. It's conceivable he was right and this feature would not be on Eleven Warriors if not for the exogenous shock of the sexual assault scandal that rocked Baylor University. Baylor University had Title IX problems on this front since 2012 but these problems became front-and-center in June 2015 when Phil Bennett, Baylor's defensive coordinator, announced Sam Ukwuachu (a Boise State transfer with a slew of known behavioral problems) would play for Baylor in 2015. Ukwuachu was subsequently arrested for sexually assaulting a Baylor soccer player. The internal investigation Baylor commenced under then-president Ken Starr, concurrent investigations by outlets like Outside the Lines and Dallas Morning News, and newer incidents involving Shawn Oakman eventually culminated in a damning report before Baylor's board of regents that led to the removal of Art Briles from his position.
Browning had already made his mind to pursue other options before Briles' dismissal. He decommitted from Baylor on February 14, 2016. He punctuated the decision with "I think it's best I open my recruitment back up all the way and really weigh my options going into my senior year." He momentarily withheld comment about what new schools he was favoring though Browning would not want for options going forward.
It's still a bit surprising that Browning's eyes turned north to Columbus at this time. He had a longstanding offer from Ohio State but said little of it. Further, his immediate attention after his decommitment was regional. He visited Texas, not without a different form of program uncertainty, later that month. The next month, he visited Texas A&M, which was by a wide margin the biggest beneficiary of the turmoil in Waco (e.g. Kellen Mond, Hezekiah Jones, Jhamon Ausbon). He visited LSU in April. He already had a genuine interest in Alabama that resulted in a prior visit. Few things about Browning's recruitment at the time other than a mention in a preliminary "top ten" portended the unofficial visit Browning would take last May.
Here, Ohio State fans may have Jeffrey Okudah to thank for Baron Browning's unofficial visit. Okudah and Browning visited Ohio State together that same weekend of May 21-22 last year. Okudah was more strongly considering Ohio State than Browning was at the time. The joint visit to Ohio State had a lasting effect on the recruitment of both. A follow-up visit from Tim Beck and Luke Fickell to Browning's home in Texas may have put the Buckeyes in the lead.
Entire article: http://www.elevenwarriors.com/ohio-...05/82289/better-know-a-buckeye-baron-browning
This week's Better Know a Buckeye feature continues with a profile of Baron Browning, a linebacker from the Fort Worth area.
BARON BROWNING
- Size: 6-4/230
- Position: LB
- Hometown: Fort Worth, TX
- School: Kennedale
- 247 Composite: ★★★★★
- National Ranking: 11
- Position Ranking: 1 (OLB)
- State Ranking: 4 (TX)
- U.S. Army All-American
- All-USA Second Team (USA TODAY)
I retell this story below and the reasons Browning highlighted that encouraged him to leave Texas, and the South more generally, for Ohio State. Thereafter, I provide a scouting report of the No. 1 outside linebacker prospect in the country. I project a redshirt amid a crowded depth chart and a small injury concern for Browning before closing with highlight film for the reader to watch at the end of the feature.
HIS RECRUITMENT
Browning's recruitment starts the summer after his freshman year. He hit the camp circuit, performing under Art Briles' watchful eyes on June 1, 2014. He left with a scholarship offer, his first. This portended some major offers to follow as Oklahoma State and Arkansas each extended scholarship offers after impressive camp performances that summer.
His sophomore year was a bigger boon for his recruitment as Browning racked up offers from major programs across the country. It started that fall of 2014 with offers from Nebraska, UCLA, and Washington. It continued later in spring 2015 with offers from Alabama, Ohio State, Oklahoma, Texas, and USC. This interest underscored a central theme early into Browning's recruitment that held through its duration: Baron Browning was the No. 1 outside linebacker prospect in his 2017 class and a certain five-star.
These majors offers, even the visit to Tuscaloosa concurrent with his scholarship offer, were unable to shake the trajectory of a recruitment that increasingly favored Baylor. Baron Browning's father, Barry Sr., played for TCU in the 1990s. His defensive coordinator there for a year was Phil Bennett, who served as Baylor's defensive coordinator from 2011 through 2016. That connection, combined with its status as his first offer and college football's nouveau riche of the time, made Baylor the favorite for Browning's services.
Browning's comments upon his July 18, 2015 commitment to Baylor largely reiterated those points. He identified Baylor as a "brand" of which he wanted to be part. He talked up his connection with the coaching staff, including Art Briles and Jim Gush, his would-be future position coach.
Browning said he was 100% committed to Baylor and would not repudiate himself from his word. It's conceivable he was right and this feature would not be on Eleven Warriors if not for the exogenous shock of the sexual assault scandal that rocked Baylor University. Baylor University had Title IX problems on this front since 2012 but these problems became front-and-center in June 2015 when Phil Bennett, Baylor's defensive coordinator, announced Sam Ukwuachu (a Boise State transfer with a slew of known behavioral problems) would play for Baylor in 2015. Ukwuachu was subsequently arrested for sexually assaulting a Baylor soccer player. The internal investigation Baylor commenced under then-president Ken Starr, concurrent investigations by outlets like Outside the Lines and Dallas Morning News, and newer incidents involving Shawn Oakman eventually culminated in a damning report before Baylor's board of regents that led to the removal of Art Briles from his position.
Browning had already made his mind to pursue other options before Briles' dismissal. He decommitted from Baylor on February 14, 2016. He punctuated the decision with "I think it's best I open my recruitment back up all the way and really weigh my options going into my senior year." He momentarily withheld comment about what new schools he was favoring though Browning would not want for options going forward.
It's still a bit surprising that Browning's eyes turned north to Columbus at this time. He had a longstanding offer from Ohio State but said little of it. Further, his immediate attention after his decommitment was regional. He visited Texas, not without a different form of program uncertainty, later that month. The next month, he visited Texas A&M, which was by a wide margin the biggest beneficiary of the turmoil in Waco (e.g. Kellen Mond, Hezekiah Jones, Jhamon Ausbon). He visited LSU in April. He already had a genuine interest in Alabama that resulted in a prior visit. Few things about Browning's recruitment at the time other than a mention in a preliminary "top ten" portended the unofficial visit Browning would take last May.
Here, Ohio State fans may have Jeffrey Okudah to thank for Baron Browning's unofficial visit. Okudah and Browning visited Ohio State together that same weekend of May 21-22 last year. Okudah was more strongly considering Ohio State than Browning was at the time. The joint visit to Ohio State had a lasting effect on the recruitment of both. A follow-up visit from Tim Beck and Luke Fickell to Browning's home in Texas may have put the Buckeyes in the lead.
Entire article: http://www.elevenwarriors.com/ohio-...05/82289/better-know-a-buckeye-baron-browning
Last edited:
Upvote
0
ScriptOhio
Everybody is somebody else's weirdo.
Carrying Lofty Expectations, Freshman Linebacker Baron Browning Will Play This Year
Baron Browning has yet to play his first snap of Ohio State football, but that hasn’t stopped the expectations. Or the stories.
The top outside linebacker in the 2017 recruiting class, Browning had his choice of schools. Ultimately, he selected Ohio State, even if he told Urban Meyer he was headed to Alabama.
Browning enrolled early at Ohio State so that he could take part in winter conditioning and spring football. Everything was going fine for Browning, up until a shoulder injury that ended his spring camp.
.
.
.
Once camp does begin, Davis expects Browning — and fellow injured-shoulder-having teammate Malik Harrison — to be ready to make a push for time.
“You never want them to miss the reps of spring ball – that’s invaluable,” Davis said. “So, it’s a shame they missed any. Baron got hurt really early, and he was just figuring out what he didn’t know. So, we were at the very beginning with him. He got hurt, missed some valuable reps. We were disappointed that he missed those, but we are glad that in the fall he’s going to get those because the surgery was needed. Malik was really having a good spring and really coming along, and then he had the same thing. So, it was the right move to make at this time because they’ll be back in fall camp.”
The last time Ohio State had a freshman middle linebacker in the two-deep was Raekwon McMillan in 2014. They went on to win a national title that year.
Can Browning provide the same type of support in 2017? The Buckeyes sure wouldn’t hate it.
Entire article: http://theozone.net/2017/06/baron-browning-will-play-year/
Baron Browning has yet to play his first snap of Ohio State football, but that hasn’t stopped the expectations. Or the stories.
The top outside linebacker in the 2017 recruiting class, Browning had his choice of schools. Ultimately, he selected Ohio State, even if he told Urban Meyer he was headed to Alabama.
Browning enrolled early at Ohio State so that he could take part in winter conditioning and spring football. Everything was going fine for Browning, up until a shoulder injury that ended his spring camp.
.
.
.
Once camp does begin, Davis expects Browning — and fellow injured-shoulder-having teammate Malik Harrison — to be ready to make a push for time.
“You never want them to miss the reps of spring ball – that’s invaluable,” Davis said. “So, it’s a shame they missed any. Baron got hurt really early, and he was just figuring out what he didn’t know. So, we were at the very beginning with him. He got hurt, missed some valuable reps. We were disappointed that he missed those, but we are glad that in the fall he’s going to get those because the surgery was needed. Malik was really having a good spring and really coming along, and then he had the same thing. So, it was the right move to make at this time because they’ll be back in fall camp.”
The last time Ohio State had a freshman middle linebacker in the two-deep was Raekwon McMillan in 2014. They went on to win a national title that year.
Can Browning provide the same type of support in 2017? The Buckeyes sure wouldn’t hate it.
Entire article: http://theozone.net/2017/06/baron-browning-will-play-year/
Upvote
0
ScriptOhio
Everybody is somebody else's weirdo.
Light Turning On For Baron Browning?
With starting middle linebacker Tuf Borland out until around September for the Buckeyes, sophomore Baron Browning and fourth-year junior Justin Hilliard have stepped in to replace him.
The competition this spring is significant because it is very likely that one of them will be the starter when Ohio State opens the season against Oregon State in a few months.
This is Browning’s second spring as a Buckeye. Urban Meyer and linebackers coach Bill Davis have both said that he probably should have played more last season, but the circumstances just didn’t allow it. Now he is in the middle of the second-most publicized spring battle for the Buckeyes, and even Justin Hilliard has been impressed by what he’s seeing.
“He’s coming along great,” he said. “It’s a clear competition, but we’re just constantly pushing each other and that’s good. That’s going to keep making us both better.”
The life of a middle linebacker is complicated. It isn’t just about making tackles, it’s also about knowing where everybody else needs to be and getting them there. That only happens with increased study habits and a larger capacity to understand the defense as a whole.
That understanding is coming along as well.
“Doing good. Doing great,” said junior linebacker Malik Harrison. “We just keep working every day, we all come together watch film together. I’ve seen him grow. He’s growing, he’s becoming more confident, and he’s working hard. Coming in on his own time.”
Entire article: https://theozone.net/2018/04/light-turning-baron-browning/
With starting middle linebacker Tuf Borland out until around September for the Buckeyes, sophomore Baron Browning and fourth-year junior Justin Hilliard have stepped in to replace him.
The competition this spring is significant because it is very likely that one of them will be the starter when Ohio State opens the season against Oregon State in a few months.
This is Browning’s second spring as a Buckeye. Urban Meyer and linebackers coach Bill Davis have both said that he probably should have played more last season, but the circumstances just didn’t allow it. Now he is in the middle of the second-most publicized spring battle for the Buckeyes, and even Justin Hilliard has been impressed by what he’s seeing.
“He’s coming along great,” he said. “It’s a clear competition, but we’re just constantly pushing each other and that’s good. That’s going to keep making us both better.”
The life of a middle linebacker is complicated. It isn’t just about making tackles, it’s also about knowing where everybody else needs to be and getting them there. That only happens with increased study habits and a larger capacity to understand the defense as a whole.
That understanding is coming along as well.
“Doing good. Doing great,” said junior linebacker Malik Harrison. “We just keep working every day, we all come together watch film together. I’ve seen him grow. He’s growing, he’s becoming more confident, and he’s working hard. Coming in on his own time.”
Entire article: https://theozone.net/2018/04/light-turning-baron-browning/
Upvote
0
ScriptOhio
Everybody is somebody else's weirdo.
If Baron Browning Doesn’t Reach Potential, Blame Bill Davis
There aren’t many 6-foot-4 240-pound linebackers who run in the 4.5s, so if you can find one, you better make it count.
Ohio State signed one such linebacker in the 2017 recruiting class in Baron Browning, out of Fort Worth, Texas. Browning played in 12 games as a true freshman last season for the Buckeyes, picking up 14 tackles in mostly special teams duty.
Browning began his career at middle linebacker, but linebackers coach Bill Davis always said that a move outside could be a possibility. This past spring, that possibility became a reality as Browning practiced at the Will linebacker. An Achilles tendon injury to starting middle linebacker Tuf Borland early in spring camp, however, changed a few plans.
Browning was moved back to the middle where he competed with fourth-year junior Justin Hilliard to be the Buckeyes’ middle linebacker in Borland’s absence.
Browning closed spring in a strong fashion, which was encouraging for Davis.
“I would say he took some big steps, and I think he had a good spring game,” he said. “It was one of his better practices of the year. I think Baron is constantly growing. I’m excited for his skill set along with his growth.”
Had Borland not gotten injured, Browning would have stayed outside and competed for a starting spot there. With Borland out until around September, Browning’s move back to the middle may only be temporary, but it isn’t being approached lightly.
And with Browning having a handle on multiple linebacker positions, it gives Davis the flexibility to find his best three linebackers and fit them in a fashion that makes the most sense.
“We’re just trying to get the best group on there at the same time,” Davis said. “It strengthens his ability to play Mike backer when he understands the Will next to him. I think as we go that’s a bonus that you have in the NFL that I’m finding it a little bit harder to get in college because they’re so new to all of it. But I think it’s an athleticism trait that he can go outside or inside.”
Entire article: https://theozone.net/2018/05/baron-browning-blame-bill-davis/
There aren’t many 6-foot-4 240-pound linebackers who run in the 4.5s, so if you can find one, you better make it count.
Ohio State signed one such linebacker in the 2017 recruiting class in Baron Browning, out of Fort Worth, Texas. Browning played in 12 games as a true freshman last season for the Buckeyes, picking up 14 tackles in mostly special teams duty.
Browning began his career at middle linebacker, but linebackers coach Bill Davis always said that a move outside could be a possibility. This past spring, that possibility became a reality as Browning practiced at the Will linebacker. An Achilles tendon injury to starting middle linebacker Tuf Borland early in spring camp, however, changed a few plans.
Browning was moved back to the middle where he competed with fourth-year junior Justin Hilliard to be the Buckeyes’ middle linebacker in Borland’s absence.
Browning closed spring in a strong fashion, which was encouraging for Davis.
“I would say he took some big steps, and I think he had a good spring game,” he said. “It was one of his better practices of the year. I think Baron is constantly growing. I’m excited for his skill set along with his growth.”
Had Borland not gotten injured, Browning would have stayed outside and competed for a starting spot there. With Borland out until around September, Browning’s move back to the middle may only be temporary, but it isn’t being approached lightly.
And with Browning having a handle on multiple linebacker positions, it gives Davis the flexibility to find his best three linebackers and fit them in a fashion that makes the most sense.
“We’re just trying to get the best group on there at the same time,” Davis said. “It strengthens his ability to play Mike backer when he understands the Will next to him. I think as we go that’s a bonus that you have in the NFL that I’m finding it a little bit harder to get in college because they’re so new to all of it. But I think it’s an athleticism trait that he can go outside or inside.”
Entire article: https://theozone.net/2018/05/baron-browning-blame-bill-davis/
Upvote
0
ScriptOhio
Everybody is somebody else's weirdo.
I can think of another one that was pretty good.
Height: 6 ft 3 in
Weight: 237 lb
40-yard Dash: 4.53 seconds
Just sayin': Maybe OLB (in lieu of MLB) might be Browning's best position too.
Upvote
0
ScriptOhio
Everybody is somebody else's weirdo.
Football: Baron Browning becomes more confident in the middle
Ohio State sophomore Baron Browning is a different type of linebacker than redshirt sophomore and team captain Tuf Borland.
While talking about Borland’s sense of on-ball defense during Monday’s press conference, defensive coordinator Greg Schiano praised Browning’s ability to cover ground, using his 6-foot-4, 238-pound frame to cover receivers and tight ends, an ability his coach calls “unbelievable.”
Browning’s physical attributes, his ability to run and his ability to cover is not something that is hard for him.
“You can’t give anybody credit except God,” Browning said. “I’m just using the abilities he blessed me with.”
Browning has not been without his own set of challenges in his second season with Ohio State, though.
After Borland went down with an Achilles injury in March, Browning, primarily an outside linebacker, moved to the middle, taking on the responsibilities of what many call the “quarterback” of the defense, a position that he had never been in before.
“You have to get yourself lined up as well as everybody else,” Browning said. “You have to make all the checks, the calls, get the D-line set.”
Browning said he watched and sought counsel from former teammates that have played the middle inside linebacker position, players like former Ohio State linebackers Chris Worley and Raekwon McMillan. He said he even talked to Borland after the captain returned from his injury, with both giving each other positive feedback and tips to make each other better.
One of the main things he took away from these players was the amount of responsibility Browning now had on his shoulders at the middle linebacker position. To him, his new position carries a considerable weight in terms of leadership, more than he ever had on the outside.
“It’s more of a responsibility versus just being outside, getting the call and worrying about your job,” Browning said. “You got to take care of everybody.”
Entire article: https://www.thelantern.com/2018/09/football-baron-browning-becomes-more-confident-in-the-middle/
Ohio State sophomore Baron Browning is a different type of linebacker than redshirt sophomore and team captain Tuf Borland.
While talking about Borland’s sense of on-ball defense during Monday’s press conference, defensive coordinator Greg Schiano praised Browning’s ability to cover ground, using his 6-foot-4, 238-pound frame to cover receivers and tight ends, an ability his coach calls “unbelievable.”
Browning’s physical attributes, his ability to run and his ability to cover is not something that is hard for him.
“You can’t give anybody credit except God,” Browning said. “I’m just using the abilities he blessed me with.”
Browning has not been without his own set of challenges in his second season with Ohio State, though.
After Borland went down with an Achilles injury in March, Browning, primarily an outside linebacker, moved to the middle, taking on the responsibilities of what many call the “quarterback” of the defense, a position that he had never been in before.
“You have to get yourself lined up as well as everybody else,” Browning said. “You have to make all the checks, the calls, get the D-line set.”
Browning said he watched and sought counsel from former teammates that have played the middle inside linebacker position, players like former Ohio State linebackers Chris Worley and Raekwon McMillan. He said he even talked to Borland after the captain returned from his injury, with both giving each other positive feedback and tips to make each other better.
One of the main things he took away from these players was the amount of responsibility Browning now had on his shoulders at the middle linebacker position. To him, his new position carries a considerable weight in terms of leadership, more than he ever had on the outside.
“It’s more of a responsibility versus just being outside, getting the call and worrying about your job,” Browning said. “You got to take care of everybody.”
Entire article: https://www.thelantern.com/2018/09/football-baron-browning-becomes-more-confident-in-the-middle/
Upvote
0
ScriptOhio
Everybody is somebody else's weirdo.
OHIO STATE LINEBACKER BARON BROWNING NEEDED A YEAR TO LEARN BEFORE EARNING STARTING OPPORTUNITY TO BEGIN SOPHOMORE SEASON
Even though Ohio State’s linebackers were widely considered to be one of the team’s weaknesses in 2017, Baron Browning didn’t see the field much for the Buckeyes’ defense last year.
Despite coming in as a five-star recruit and early enrollee in January 2017, Browning played only 95 defensive snaps in his freshman year, with most of those snaps coming in the second half of lopsided games.
Browning, like any competitor would, wanted to be on the field more. But as he looks back upon his freshman year now, Browning realizes he had a lot to learn.
“I’m glad I did have to wait, because I needed to learn the defense,” Browning said while meeting with the media on Tuesday. “Humbling experience, so I’m glad I went through it. But it does feel good to be out there flying around.”
While Browning played primarily as an outside linebacker at Kennedale (Texas) High School, he’s lined up mostly at middle linebacker since arriving at Ohio State. That position comes with different responsibilities – including the responsibility of calling out plays to the other players around him – so it’s a role he’s had to grow into in his first year-plus as a Buckeye.
“At Mike, you got to get yourself lined up as well as everybody else,” Browning said. “You got to make all the checks and calls, get the D-line set. So I mean it’s more of a responsibility vs. just being outside and getting the call and worrying about your job.”
Given that transition, Browning said it took him time to learn Ohio State’s defense and how he was expected to play with it.
“Just understanding our defense and how I fit in, especially at Mike,” Browning said. “Just from being an outside linebacker in high school, coming in to being a middle linebacker, just learning how there’s more things I have to do and a different personality I have to have in doing it.”
Browning said that transition was made easier, though, by having the opportunity to learn from more experienced linebackers like Tuf Borland and the now-departed Chris Worley, who each started games at middle linebacker last season.
“I was watching them and the guys before me, and getting advice from the older guys that come back around,” Browning said, mentioning former Ohio State linebackers Raekwon McMillan and Bobby Carpenter as others who he had the opportunity to learn from.
This summer, Browning proved he was ready to take on a significant role in Ohio State’s defense, beating out Justin Hilliard for the opportunity to begin the season as the Buckeyes’ starting middle linebacker. The true sophomore has started each of Ohio State’s first two games this season, playing 54 defensive snaps and recording five tackles so far.
While he’s still looking to continue to improve, he believes he’s off to a solid start.
“I feel like my first game, I was kind of a bit nervous, my first start,” Browning said. “And then I felt like I played better my second game, so just trying to get better each week.”
Entire article: https://www.elevenwarriors.com/ohio...rning-starting-opportunity-to-begin-sophomore
Even though Ohio State’s linebackers were widely considered to be one of the team’s weaknesses in 2017, Baron Browning didn’t see the field much for the Buckeyes’ defense last year.
Despite coming in as a five-star recruit and early enrollee in January 2017, Browning played only 95 defensive snaps in his freshman year, with most of those snaps coming in the second half of lopsided games.
Browning, like any competitor would, wanted to be on the field more. But as he looks back upon his freshman year now, Browning realizes he had a lot to learn.
“I’m glad I did have to wait, because I needed to learn the defense,” Browning said while meeting with the media on Tuesday. “Humbling experience, so I’m glad I went through it. But it does feel good to be out there flying around.”
While Browning played primarily as an outside linebacker at Kennedale (Texas) High School, he’s lined up mostly at middle linebacker since arriving at Ohio State. That position comes with different responsibilities – including the responsibility of calling out plays to the other players around him – so it’s a role he’s had to grow into in his first year-plus as a Buckeye.
“At Mike, you got to get yourself lined up as well as everybody else,” Browning said. “You got to make all the checks and calls, get the D-line set. So I mean it’s more of a responsibility vs. just being outside and getting the call and worrying about your job.”
Given that transition, Browning said it took him time to learn Ohio State’s defense and how he was expected to play with it.
“Just understanding our defense and how I fit in, especially at Mike,” Browning said. “Just from being an outside linebacker in high school, coming in to being a middle linebacker, just learning how there’s more things I have to do and a different personality I have to have in doing it.”
Browning said that transition was made easier, though, by having the opportunity to learn from more experienced linebackers like Tuf Borland and the now-departed Chris Worley, who each started games at middle linebacker last season.
“I was watching them and the guys before me, and getting advice from the older guys that come back around,” Browning said, mentioning former Ohio State linebackers Raekwon McMillan and Bobby Carpenter as others who he had the opportunity to learn from.
This summer, Browning proved he was ready to take on a significant role in Ohio State’s defense, beating out Justin Hilliard for the opportunity to begin the season as the Buckeyes’ starting middle linebacker. The true sophomore has started each of Ohio State’s first two games this season, playing 54 defensive snaps and recording five tackles so far.
While he’s still looking to continue to improve, he believes he’s off to a solid start.
“I feel like my first game, I was kind of a bit nervous, my first start,” Browning said. “And then I felt like I played better my second game, so just trying to get better each week.”
Entire article: https://www.elevenwarriors.com/ohio...rning-starting-opportunity-to-begin-sophomore
Upvote
0
Love Browning's long-term potential. He needs reps. But still feel like Hilliard is the right guy for the job this weekend, especially if Borland is still not quite 100%.
Upvote
0