COLUMBUS, Ohio-- Baron Browning has taken a winding path to reach his destination.

Ranked as Rivals’ No. 1 outside linebacker in the class of 2017, big things were expected from the 6-foot-3 Browning when he committed to Ohio State in December 2016.

Over the next four years, those things never came consistently. After playing a large amount of safety in high school, Browning struggled to find playing time as a linebacker behind Tuf Borland, Malik Harrison, and classmate Pete Werner. His five-star potential and athleticism came in flashes-- Browning recorded 11 tackles for loss and five sacks as a junior-- but never all at once.

“Some people are fortunate enough to come in and make an immediate impact right away. For me, I was kinda a guy who had to come in and go through the storm, weather it,” Browning said on Tuesday afternoon. “I’m grateful. I wouldn’t change anything about my journey.

“It made me the man I am today, and the player.”