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LB Chris Worley (Official Thread)

There Could be Another Darron Lee in Wings for the Buckeyes in Chris Worley

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What does Darron Lee's early departure for the NFL mean for Ohio State?

One man’s departure could be another man’s gain.

Just one day after Ohio State defeated Notre Dame 44-28 in the Fiesta Bowl, redshirt sophomore linebacker Darron Lee announced his intentions to declare for the 2016 NFL Draft.

While Lee’s departure leaves the Buckeyes with a hole to fill at the walkout linebacker position, the gap may not be that deep.

"There's really not much of a drop off if I were to go down and Chris Worley were to come in,” Lee said earlier this season of his backup. “Really not any type of drop off. Chris Worley is really good. I have no doubt in my mind that if he were to go into a game, he's going to make as many plays."

Like Lee, Worley just finished his redshirt sophomore year. The Cleveland native out of the famed Glenville High School also made a position change his first year in Columbus, moving from safety to linebacker, and has very similar size and speed to the now-former Buckeye.

Worley and Lee were involved in a tight position battle to replace Ryan Shazier heading into the 2014 season. Worley made his first career start in the opening game of that season against Navy and played 52 snaps, recording five tackles.

“All throughout that spring camp, we battled for that spot,” Worley said earlier this year of that competition with Lee.

“When it happened, we both got the starting nod in that Navy game and after that he just kind of took off from there.”

Entire article: http://theozone.net/Ohio-State/Foot...Lee-in-Wings-for-the-Buckeyes-in-Chris-Worley
 
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I'd love to see Worley get his chance to shine. Always rooting for the Glenville due to the pipeline. I thought it'd be a tight fight between him and Baker next year
 
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Big Expectations Follow Big Spring for Buckeye Linebacker Chris Worley

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It would be impossible to blame Chris Worley for printing out various mock drafts over the last year and surreptitiously putting them in Darron Lee's locker in hopes of convincing Ohio State's starting Sam linebacker to leave for the NFL.

After all, Worley knew he was good enough to play at Ohio State, and his coaches and teammates knew it as well. It's just that there aren't many linebackers in college football who were going to start in front of Lee in Ohio State's defense.

So while Buckeye fans and coaches didn't want Lee to leave, it probably didn't break Worley's heart to see his friend head off into the land of millions — especially now that Worley takes over in what has become a very publicized position, and one that can make a guy a little bit of money later on down the road.

Finally having an opportunity like this can have a significant impact on a player and if a team is lucky, it will change that player purely for the better. The hunger that has gotten them to this point only becomes more sensitive when an opportunity is in sight.

You know how when you go to a restaurant and you're already starving and every time a waiter starts heading your way with food you get your hopes up?

Well, Worley was famished this spring, and when he saw Luke Fickell headed his way with a tray full of opportunity, he didn't even let his coach get to the table — he got up and met him halfway.

"I think Chris Worley is probably the first guy that I would say that jumped out at you as much as anything," Fickell said when asked which linebacker surprised him the most this spring. "He is going to be a great leader for us. He is a guy that has had to battle through. Guys that are handed things and things happen real fast for them are not always the greatest example to a lot of other people."

Entire article: http://theozone.net/Ohio-State/Foot...ig-Spring-for-Buckeye-Linebacker-Chris-Worley
 
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Big Expectations Follow Big Spring for Buckeye Linebacker Chris Worley

Entire article: http://theozone.net/Ohio-State/Foot...ig-Spring-for-Buckeye-Linebacker-Chris-Worley

"What he has done and his battle playing behind Darron Lee and battling with him two years ago and then trying to find another role, he has done nothing but continue to work," Fickell said. "And if you grade all the stuff from the spring, if you asked where the boxing gloves are and coach Coombs’ special teams competitive drills, if you are looking for them, they are in the linebacker room. They are in Chris Worley's seat because he just does not lose."

Mr Worley has a great opportunity. To follow a standard his predecessor left; consistent and tenacious, making big plays...at a position of impact like any other on the team.

I see a lot of that confidence in knowing where to be. It's amazing watching this 4-6 A-B nonnegotiable culture at work. So excited to see Chris perform this season!

Best of luck CW!
 
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With the front rotation (literally we don't lose anyone from our like top 12) and with Worley returning along side Baker this may be the most tenacious front 7 we've had on a while.

With Booker probably taking over the middle you for sure have the most athletic trio of backers probably ever.
 
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