COLUMBUS — Baron Browning couldn’t wrestle away the starting middle linebacker job from an injured Tuf Borland last season. And he’s started only one game this year.
However, don’t confuse that with having a minor role in Ohio State’s defensive turnaround. In fact, Browning is a major force in the Buckeyes’ rebuilt defense, a unit that ranks second in total defense, third against the pass, and eighth against the run.
“I think he’s getting better the more he plays and the more experience he has,” co-defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley said. “He’s playing more physical. That’s the one area where [linebackers] coach [Al] Washington has done such a good job. Those guys are hitting people and [Browning] 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.”
Browning and Borland continue to split snaps — Browning has been on the field for 195 plays, Borland 180 — but it hasn’t impacted Browning’s production. He’s third on the team in tackles (23), sacks (3.5), and tackles for loss (five). After two years of waiting, Bowning is finally living up to expectations.
The 6-foot-3, 248-pound Texas native is a former five-star recruit and the No. 11 overall player in the class of 2017. Injuries and uninspired play left him buried on the depth chart, as he recorded 19 tackles, one sack, and 3.5 tackles for loss during his freshman and sophomore seasons. A clean bill of health and a clean slate with a new defensive coaching staff has contributed to Browning’s breakout year.
“I definitely feel experience goes into it,” Browning said. “But I just think the way coach Washington is coaching me this year, I feel more comfortable. I’m just adapting his mindset to the approach in my game.”
As the top-ranked linebacker in the country, Browning thought stardom was a given, especially at Ohio State. He’d always been the best player on the field in high school, never needing to find another gear. The transition to major college football isn’t so easy when you aren’t better than everyone else.
On the field, Browning thought too much, reacting slowly and being out of position. Off the field, he didn’t watch enough film and, according to Browning in a revelation to Cleveland.com, a former assistant coach he didn’t want to name gave up on him.
Once Washington arrived in Columbus, a rejuvenated Browning got to work. He did not go unnoticed in the spring and, when fall camp commenced, the coaches knew keeping him off the field wasn’t possible.
“He’s talented,” Washington said. “He’s worked. I do think we have a good relationship, it’s honest. He has a relationship with my wife, with my kids. I think all that stuff is important. He’s a good kid. He wants to do well.”
Credit is constantly aimed at Washington when Browning is asked about his evolution. The positive vibes are team-wide, though, with gratification for all. Even Browning and Borland have embraced their shared duties, saying the competition raises their level of play.
“Everybody is excited to see one another make a play,” Browning said. “I feel like before it just wasn’t the same type of camaraderie that we have right now. For example, if Jeff [Okudah] makes a play, I’m flying around hugging him as if I just made the play. There’s just a love for one another, and we’re excited to see each other do well.”
The expectations for Browning never disappeared, but he did his best to push them aside and focus on individual improvement. The game began slowing down with new coaching, allowing Browning to stay calm on the field and process information more quickly.
Whatever spurred the growth has greatly benefited Ohio State.
“It’s more so taking advantage of every opportunity,” Browning said, “because you never know when it’s going to come back around.”
First Published October 15, 2019, 12:00 a.m.
