Michigan Football vs. Ohio State: Buckeyes Players to Watch
By Jay Meade
Nov 21, 2015; Columbus, OH, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Raekwon McMillan (5) tackles Michigan State Spartans quarterback Damion Terry (6) to force a fumble in the first quarter at Ohio Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
LB Raekwon McMillan
This sophomore linebacker is exactly what any team would want to see out of a young player. Racking up 105 total tackles, 4 tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks he is the Buckeyes’ leading tackler (total, solo, and assisted). He’s also not bad in coverage with 3 passes defended.
To add to his stats, he’s also has a fumble recovery on the season. When watching some of the games, McMillan is pretty much everywhere. He just kind of floats around and his pursuit is amazing.
McMillan is one of the more athletic linebackers in the league and an incredibly instinctive player. In truth, one of his only real problems is getting penetration, whether it’s blowing up a running back in the backfield or getting to the quarterback.
McMillan is actually one of the better defenders against tight ends. That could prove to be really hard for one of Michigan’s top receivers, Jake Butt. Michigan will have to find some other options, which in my opinion is perfectly fine since the Wolverines have plenty of receiving weapons.
Michigan should be able to avoid McMillan. He may get a good number of tackles, but I expect that the damage will have been done by the time he’s actually able to get there. If I have to choose who wins the matchup between him and Butt, I’m giving Butt the nod but just by a little bit here.
Next: LB Joshua Perry