Notebook: Ohio State defensive depth chart

COLUMBUS, Ohio - With the season starting in just over a week, it seems fair to expect to have all starters named and all depth chart spots filled. Ohio State defensive coordinator Greg Schiano said otherwise Wednesday.

Teams sometimes like to play things by ear and not give away too much before the start of regular season games, so refraining from naming starters at key positions might seem fairly normal. But it appeared Schiano truly did not know who would be starting at several key spots for the Buckeyes.

When asked about defensive rotations, something many have expected to see this season, there was much left on the table by the Ohio State defensive coordinator.

"We have some decisions to make," Schiano said. "I don’t know the answer to that yet. We are going to sit down and talk after tomorrow and, kind of, formulate a plan."

Not the most confident answer from a coach who is trying to replicate a record-breaking year. Even more worrisome was Schinao's response when asked about the open safety spot, which has been a deadlocked battle between Jordan Fuller and Erick Smith.

"They are both doing very, very well, making the decision very difficult," Schiano said. "We will see. Who knows?"

Schiano also peddled back a bit on a statement made by Damon Arnette last week, who said he was the No. 2 cornerback who shifted to the nickel and allowed Kendall Sheffield to take over the other corner spot. Schiano said he was planning a rotation, but offered little clarity to who would be getting more snaps.

It's not exactly time to panic, since having two players at near the same caliber up for a starting role can be a good thing, but personnel announcements will be something to watch for in the next few days.

Kevin Wilson was in the locker room for Indiana less than a year ago, preparing the Hoosiers for Big Ten opponents just like Ohio State. Now, he's on the other side, commanding the Buckeyes offense in a rare season opener against a conference foe. Given that he was just with Ohio State's upcoming opponent, he can bring good insight into what to expect from who on the field.

But he can't give Urban Meyer and company all the inner workings of a team with a new staff.

"There is always situational football you have to prepare for. I think what has helped is Kevin giving us an insight into personnel that you normally wouldn’t have," Schiano said. "Schematically, you don’t have anything to go on. You have a spring game and things they did at other places. What they did at other places was with other people, so you may not do those same things depending on if your people are alike or not."

Even though he might not have all the gameplan details from his former employers, Wilson still gives an interesting look into some of the key players to focus on. After all, he was the one who helped lure a slew of current players to Bloomington.

Ever since his commitment, Chase Young has caused a stir in the Buckeye fanbase. Schiano gave a pretty good description as to why he has been so impressive since he stepped foot on campus.

"He’s pretty advanced. He’s gifted and he has been a fast study of coach (Larry) Johnson’s teaching," Schiano said. "He has tremendous range, as far as length to a defender. Guys who have that kind of radius when they stick their limbs up can make a lot of things happen. They can make tackles, they can knock down balls, they can reach lineman faster and grab and pull, set themselves free. He’s an extremely long, 265-270 pound guy that is quite athletic."

Since he has yet to play in a real game, the impact Young can have is still open to interpretation. But any guy who has a similar skillset and size to Jadaveon Clowney will surely make things happen every time he's on the field.

That kind of comparison might be premature, but Young already looks the part of a ferocious pass rusher and run stuffer.

* Schiano said Damon Webb's backup is shaping up to be "next guy up," but also said younger players are making a run for the position. Rotations in the secondary might be the key here.

* Ohio State is planning to evaluate certain freshman after the Indiana game to see their readiness and establish how much playing time should go to each potential contributor.