When Ohio State`s Tyler Moeller tore his left pectoral muscle in the Buckeyes` win over Illinois on Oct. 2, it was difficult to say just what OSU lost: a defensive back or linebacker?
The accuracy is, the Buckeyes lost a combining of the two.
Moeller played the "lead" position - a hybrid defensive back/linebacker who lines up over the slot receiver as the Buckeyes` nickelback, or fifth defensive back, when teams present three- or four-receiver sets.
"You`re called on to meet in on the run, be more forcible and things like that, as other nickelbacks probably do a lot of covering," said senior safety Jermale Hines, who started at the star position for OSU in 2008 and 2009. "A lot more blitzing and things like that, so you give to be tough."
The side is ideal for players like Moeller and Hines. Both players were recruited to OSU as undersized linebackers and were finally converted to safeties.
The leading position lets the Buckeye defense effectively match up with opponents who use the spread offense. Should the opposing offense attempt a pass, the ace has safety skills to drop back into coverage with a receiver. If the offense runs the ball, OSU has a third linebacker on the field.
OSU coach Jim Tressel said the Buckeyes` defense is designed to stop teams that run either open or traditional offenses.
"You get to be set to go against the whole gamut," Tressel said. "That`s why we try to reach them as lots of that whole gamut as we can."
The star also tends to blitz more frequently than a traditional nickelback would, evidenced by Moeller`s blindside sack and subsequent forced fumble on Marshall quarterback Brian Anderson in OSU`s season-opening win.
With Moeller out for the season, the OSU coaching staff made true freshman Christian Bryant the first-string star until he was sidelined with a foot infection. Tressel said Bryant will miss another month.
At 5-feet-9-inches and 178 pounds, Bryant is more of a traditional nickelback than either Moeller or Hines. However, his hard-hitting style and his high-school experience as safety make him a natural fit for the position.
Hines said he welcomed the movement backwards to the place he played for the former two seasons.
"I definitely embrace it," Hines said. "I`m willing to do anything for the team. No matter what my character is, I`m willing to do it."
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