Browning becoming key playmaker for Ohio State defense

By?Steve Helwagen Oct 5, 10:47 AM?247Sports.com

?

In a season marked by improvement across the Ohio State defense, junior linebacker Baron Browning has been one of the most pleasant surprises. {{more: continue …}}

?

Through the first five games, Browning has largely split time with classmate Tuf Borland at the middle linebacker spot. Browning has made the most of his limited opportunities as he is third on the OSU team in tackles with 21. He also has four tackles-for-loss and 1-1/2 sacks. (By contrast, Borland has 10 tackles and an interception.)

?

Browning, now listed at 6-3 and 248 pounds, was a five star prospect in the 2017 recruiting class. Coming out of Fort Worth (Texas) Kennedale, Browning was the nation?s No. 11 prospect overall and ranked as the country?s top linebacker.

?

He spent his first two years at OSU hampered by injuries, which limited his ability to make plays on special teams and defense. Now healthy, Browning has flourished in OSU?s defense.

?

?I think he is getting better with the more he plays and the more experience he has,? OSU defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley said of Browning. ?He?s playing more physical. That?s the one area where Coach (Al) Washington has done such a good job of, those guys are hitting people and he is flying around.

?

?He gives you a lot of speed out there and a lot of range in certain coverages. It?s really been great to see him take that step.?

?

Read more and view video @ Browning comes up big