Little Joins Buckeyes as Thorpe Watch List Star | Cleveland News

Earl Little Junior, Ohio State’s new safety and fifth-year college star, has jumped onto the Jim Thorpe Award watch list — signaling his potential to be the nation’s top defensive back. Already a standout with 76 tackles and 4 interceptions last season, he’s bringing elite versatility to a revamped Buckeyes secondary, earning rave reviews from coaches after dominating spring and fall camp. Meanwhile, Maryland’s breakout defensive end Zahir Mathis — once committed to Ohio State — is sidelined for the entire season after a knee injury in fall camp, robbing the Terrapins of a key weapon and altering the dynamics for their October matchup against the Buckeyes. With both teams’ defenses poised for major shifts, this season’s clash promises to be one for the books. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/38d01a26287662ca