SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — The most-talked about competition during fall camp was a fictitious battle between quarterbacks Justin Fields and Gunnar Hoak.
Instead, the focus should have been at linebacker, where a half dozen players were battling for a home on Ohio State’s retooled defense. Dallas Gant wasn’t one of the winners, but the former St. John’s Jesuit standout made sure to make an impact this season.
Gant became a special teams maven, recording 21 tackles, five sacks, and one forced fumble, appearing in all 13 games. This is the second consecutive season he’s immersed himself into the world of special teams, carving out a niche responsibility that takes on heightened prestige at Ohio State.
“I just wanted to give what I could to the team and just play my heart out,” Gant told The Blade. “Special teams is all about effort. Coach [Ryan] Day loves it. We know how important special teams can be and how it can affect the game. We try to swing the tide with one play. We love the energy and playing our hearts out.”
Urban Meyer took a keen interest in the special teams units, a duty Day has continued. Before glory on offense or defense can be had, players must apply their blue-collar ethos to special teams, which is exactly what Gant is doing.
The four-star recruit is an information sponge, not only learning the ways of special teams but also soaking up knowledge from linebackers coach Al Washington and the headliners in the meeting room — Malik Harrison, Pete Werner, Baron Browning, Tuf Borland, and Justin Hilliard.
“It’s been a special year,” Gant said. “The guys in the linebacker room are my brothers, and I love them to death. We always compete and push each other to be the best we can be. Playing for coach Washington is amazing. It’s been a year full of love and a great success.”
During his freshman year, Gant had a significant jump in weight, applying muscle to his then-lanky frame. The 6-foot-3, 202-pound prospect has morphed into a 6-foot-3, 232-pound Ohio State linebacker. Gant’s been on the field for 118 snaps this season, flashing the potential that was evident as he became a U.S. Army All-American.
“He’s progressed a tremendous amount,” Washington said. “I’ve seen development physically and mentally. He’s played Mike [middle linebacker] and Will [weak-side linebacker], a young guy to experience both positions and all the nuances tells me has a high IQ, he’s open-minded, he’s tough, he’s reliable, he’s dependable.”
One-by-one, coaches and teammates offer similar praise of Gant, using words and phrases such as “exciting, “sky is the limit,” and “different guy.” On the eve of his retirement last year at the Rose Bowl, Meyer gave his full-throated endorsement, saying, Gant would “be a hell of a player here.” It was most evident at Rutgers when Gant played virtually the entire second half, totaling five tackles, including a tackle for loss.
First impressions are worth gold in any walk of life, especially college football, where time is of the essence. Gant made a positive impact on Washington after he arrived in the spring from Ann Arbor. Washington couldn’t help but gush over the Toledo native when asked about him in March, a message that continues as the new year approaches.
“I think his mindset is improving and controlling what he can,” Washington said. “These young guys are all behind a really good group of older guys. You can take the mentality of getting frustrated and say, ‘I'm not good enough’ or you can say, ‘What can I learn from him and how can I develop?’ His time is going to come, and it’s important that when his time comes, he’s ready. His mentality reflects those conversations.”
The bond between player and coach is one that lasts for decades. Tough love is intertwined during the early stages of the relationship, but it’s built on a mutual respect and trust between the parties. Washington is a players coach, someone who’s about freedom and positivity. His personality — and coaching smarts — becomes an asset, turning Washington into a likable figure that brings out the best in his players.
“He’s a great coach. I love him to death,” Gant said. “Coach Washington brings a different energy and brings us together as a room. Everyone gravitated toward him when he came in because of his energy. He’s been a great coach, a great teacher, and a great leader. He’s an energy giver. He pours out his love for the team and his message really hits you in the heart. You listen to him when he talks.”
The defensive staff as a whole, with coordinators Greg Mattison and Jeff Hafley spearheading the effort, have put the shine back on the Silver Bullets. Ohio State’s corrected major deficiencies that led to the worst statical year in school history in 2018. Near the top of the list is an improved linebacking corps.
Gant is part of the vast improvement, even as a backup. And his playing time should increase next season. The secret to this year’s turnaround has been coaching, attitude, and tenacity.
“Playing with a chip on our shoulder the whole year and never being content,” Gant described it. “We’ve strived to be the best we could be. We have the best players and the best coaches, so why not be great? We put it together during offseason workouts and in camp, and we made our minds up that [2018] wasn't going to happen again. Obviously, it turned out to be a great year for the defense.”
First Published December 23, 2019, 9:40 p.m.
