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Jul 22, 2023

Knowles notebook: Hartford, Jackson continue to step up

Ohio State defensive coordinator Jim Knowles met with the media on Tuesday to discuss a number of topics. We have crafted a notebook on some of Knowles’ comments, and you can watch the full video of

Ohio State defensive coordinator Jim Knowles met with the media on Tuesday to discuss a number of topics. We have crafted a notebook on some of Knowles’ comments, and you can watch the full video of his press conference at the bottom of this story.

**Knowles on the three-man competition between Ja'Had Carter, Malik Hartford and Josh Proctor to be the final starter at safety (along with established starters Lathan Ransom and Sonny Styles): “They’re all still in contention. I can probably see them all playing.”

** Knowles on how Hartford has been able to work his way in the mix so fast: “He’s smart; he has football intelligence. These guys (who can step right in as true freshmen), they're rare at safety. They've been rare. They come in and they just have an understanding of the game and they find a way to get around the ball. So, it jumps out at you.”

** Knowles on what stands out about Proctor and Carter:

“Josh has great closing speed and we know that he will be a factor in terms of run support and getting to the ball. He kind of brings a different element with the way he comes. High-low, inside-out.

“And then Ja’Had, he's played a lot of football. So, he's, he's coachable, he's smart and he and he has experience.”

Knowles on redshirt freshman defensive end Kenyatta Jackson: “He started really shining during the spring. And we saw that, during spring, the more opportunities he gets (the more he shines). You don't have to be a coach to see him just kind of jump out to you.”

** Knowles on what makes senior linebacker/captain Tommy Eichenberg so valuable and how he can improve on his big season from a year ago: “Tommy understands. He can relate what play is happening in front of him to how our defense works. So, he knows exactly where the escape hatch for the run game is going to me. And then he shows up fast. He gets to the ball quickly because he understands the game and how it relates to our defense.

“Any improvements that we’re looking for from him are probably in the pass game.

“With his overall football intelligence and the way he plays, he’s an inspirational guy. He’s quiet, he doesn’t talk much, but just by the way he plays (he’s inspirational). So, I think that makes him – I don’t know what’s out there – but I think he’s the best (middle linebacker) in the country.”

** Knowles on how much being in Year 2 of his system will help the Buckeyes: “Yeah, the more someone understands the complete system – rather than just an individual position – and they realize how all 11 parts work together really helps. We say ‘the faster they can play (the better).’ As coaches a lot – and as fans or you as reporters of the game – I think a lot of times you see a guy not playing at full speed, right? It’s easy to wonder, ‘Is he not motivated? Or does he not know what he’s doing?’

“And I think coaches need to take responsibility for that. If a guy knows what he’s doing, he can play fast. If he doesn’t, he plays tentative. That’s a reflection of coaching.”

Knowles video

For all of Knowles’ Q&A session from Tuesday, watch the embedded video above.