5 breakout candidates for Ohio State football in 2023 season

Ohio State’s preseason training camp is on the horizon.

The series of practices leading up to its season opener at Indiana on Sept. 2 will commence a quarterback competition and other significant position battles.

The stretch could also provide a look at players who might break out.

It was Tommy Eichenberg who took a leap a year ago, cementing himself as the starting middle linebacker and transforming into the star of the Buckeyes’ defense. He would end up with 120 tackles, nearly twice as many from the previous season in which he was a part-time starter.

Here are five players who could also make a big jump leading up to this fall:

Josh Fryar, left tackle

The expectation is that Fryar will slide in at left tackle, a significant hole on the offensive line left by Paris Johnson moving on to the NFL.

It provides Fryar with a clear opportunity to emerge after being a backup offensive lineman in his first three seasons with the Buckeyes.

He showed promise in his first-ever start last fall.

Filling in at right tackle for Dawand Jones against Indiana in November, Fryar contributed to a clean pocket for quarterback C.J. Stroud. According to Pro Football Focus’ data, he didn't allow Stroud to be pressured.

One of the strengths of the Buckeyes’ offensive line has been its ability to protect whoever is starting behind center. Ohio State allowed the fewest sacks in the Big Ten last season.

Early glimpses of Fryar showing he has the capability of stepping up, though Johnson, who was a consensus All-American and top-10 selection in the NFL draft in April, undeniably leaves big shoes to fill.

Mitchell Melton, defensive lineman

A series of injuries, including a torn anterior cruciate ligament, sidelined Melton for the past two seasons. As a result of the setbacks, he last appeared in a game as a freshman in 2020.

But Melton is poised to be at full strength by the start of preseason training camp after being limited to individual drills in spring practice. Defensive line coach Larry Johnson said Melton had reached 100% in May.

Expect Melton to be in the mix for a sizeable role if he remains healthy, someone who is expected to step in at the hybrid lineman-linebacker position known as the “Jack.”

Designed as a part of defensive coordinator Jim Knowles’ intricate scheme, the position is set up to be a disruptive one around the line of scrimmage.

Jack Sawyer wasn’t as impactful at the spot last fall, prompting him to return to defensive end on a full-time basis, but Melton could find himself more comfortable in it.

“He’s a great pass rusher,” Johnson said. “He’s tough. He’s fast. He can play relentless. All the good things.”

Jack Sawyer, defensive end

While Sawyer might have been constrained as a result of splitting time between defensive end and the “Jack” as a sophomore, he remained among Ohio State’s top pass rushers last fall.

His 4.5 sacks were the most among the Buckeyes along with Mike Hall Jr., and his 17 hurries, as totaled by PFF, were tied with J.T. Tuimoloau for the second-most.

Now he’ll line up on the edge of the line of scrimmage as a traditional end.

The simplified role could allow him to make the leap that has long been expected since he enrolled two years ago as a five-star recruit out of Pickerington North.

Sawyer said in spring practice that he was excited to be back in a single role full-time, and Johnson added that it’s his best position.

The loss of Zach Harrison also puts Sawyer in line to start opposite Tuimoloau.

Sonny Styles, safety

Styles has been ahead of schedule.

He graduated a year early from Pickerington Central to enroll at Ohio State before last season.

That trend could continue this fall as he looks to carve out a larger role in a crowded secondary.

Knowles has mentioned a “dual plan” in order for Styles to see more snaps, moving between the free and strong safety spots.

Spring practice gave the former five-star recruit opportunities to be involved in blitz packages, using his size at 6-foot-4 and 228 pounds to muscle into the trenches and also drop into coverage as a high safety.

“He’s a real versatile player,” Knowles said, “and he’s shown me a lot since he’s been here. He’s ready to play.”

Carnell Tate, wide receiver

Tate made quite the first impression in spring practice and capped off his strong debut by catching a 37-yard touchdown in the spring game in April.

It’s become rare in recent seasons for freshmen to see an immediate impact at receiver, a spot on the depth chart that is stacked with talent, but there is precedence in the Ryan Day era.

While rotating behind several veterans in 2019, Garrett Wilson caught 30 passes for 432 yards and five touchdowns.

Standing out this past spring as a smooth route runner with good body control, Tate looked like a receiver who is poised to step up sooner than later.

The returning starting trio of Marvin Harrison Jr., Emeka Egbuka and Julian Fleming will see a lot of the snaps, but Tate should be able to fill in behind them.

Joey Kaufman covers Ohio State football for The Columbus Dispatch. Contact him at jkaufman@dispatch.com or on Twitter @joeyrkaufman.

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This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Ohio State football breakout candidates for 2023 season