For three years, Caleb Downs was one of, if not the, best defenders in college football. Despite being a sub-six-foot, 200ish-pound safety, the shadow he cast was massive. As a result, it would make sense that his running mate at the back end of the defense would be overlooked. However, Downs is gone, as are so many top defenders from the Big Ten from a year ago. So, what can Jaylen McClain do to earn a little love?
Jaylen McClain is the Most Overlooked Returning Buckeye Defender
Snubbed
In the lead-up to this season, each of the major publications releases its All-Big Ten and All-American teams. Unfortunately, McClain is noticeably absent. Phile Steele lists four Big Ten teams, and while six Buckeyes found their way onto his list, McClain was missing. The same is for Walter Camp, Athlon Sports (14 Buckeyes earned at least a mention across four teams), and even our ranking of the top defensive backs.
Compare that to the end-of-season honors given out. Last year, McClain was left off the Big Ten coaches’ lists and was a third-team selection by the Big Ten media. Of the 10 first and second-team selections, seven have since graduated/been drafted. Big Ten Media Days are at the end of this month, so time will tell if McClain is included in the defensive back selections by either the coaches or media.
One way or another, it’s amazing that McClain is flying under the radar as much as he is.
Immediate Impact
As a three-star recruit (247Sports) joining the Buckeyes at the same time as a player like Downs, people likely didn’t expect McClain to make an impact as a first-year player. As the understudy to Lathan Ransom, McClain earned 106 defensive snaps and plenty of special teams snaps (212). Statistically, he turned those snaps into 15 tackles, one tackle for loss, and one pass breakup.
As a true freshman, he appeared in all 15 of 16 games and logged his first start in the win over Nebraska.
Then, with Ransom off to the NFL, McClain stepped up as Downs’ partner. He actually out-snapped Downs, 705 to 680, and led the entire Buckeye defense. With such a loaded front seven, counting stats were scarce for both Downs and McLain. In total, the second-year safety finished with 53 tackles and three pass breakups. So, perhaps one reason McLain is flying under the radar is that he still doesn’t have an interception.
Of course, there’s more to playing safety than interceptions.
What He Brings
All of the focus tends to be on the two new safeties Ohio State brought in via the portal, Earl Little Jr. and Terry Moore, two veterans from the ACC. Most reporting has indicated that Moore is the favorite to take over as the free safety, while Little will be the third safety/nickel. However, as the returning starter, McLain has had little to no hype surrounding him for some reason.
The thing about McLain is that his impact is felt on the field and less on the statsheet, similar to Downs. What he does may show up as just a tackle or pass breakup, but they loom large in the situation. He has the speed to catch receivers coming across the middle and break what would be an explosive play.
When you dig deeper, McClain has everything you want from a safety. If Pro Football Focus is your thing, he logged a 77.1 coverage grade last year. Yes, the interceptions are not there, but McClain is always in the right position to make the play. Additionally, PFSN graded that McLain had one of the lowest passer ratings when targeted with 61.3 (third-best among Big Ten returning safeties) and 0.21 yards allowed per coverage snap (second-best)
As a tackler, McClain is as sure a tackler as any. He has a 6.8% missed-tackle rate in his career and is more than willing to crash down to make the play in run defense.
Perhaps his best trait is his incredible speed. Most reports suggest that he would test in the mid-4.30s for the 40-yard dash. There is nowhere on the field outside of his range, and if it looks like he’s too far away to make a play, he’s already at the ball carrier.
The Stage is Set
McClain was selected as one of three player representatives at this year’s Big Ten Media Days, alongside Jeremiah Smith and Julian Sayin. He’s clearly seen as one of the leaders of the leaders of the defense, as the only member of that side of the ball selected. When captains are selected, it would not be surprising if he is honored.
Ohio State played some serious talent at quarterback this year. Arch Manning, Malik Washington, Josh Hoover, Jayden Maiava, and Dante Moore are going to be some of the best quarterbacks in the nation, giving McClain a great opportunity to stand out and make game-changing plays.
He’s considered a fringe first-round prospect at this juncture, and he could play his way into better draft capital, assuming he declares after this year. Thanks to the new eligibility model, the Buckeyes could have him through the 2028 season, if he wanted.
Regardless, his route recognition and sticky coverage will be key to the Buckeyes’ success this fall. McClain is flying under the radar, somehow, but don’t be surprised when he’s a household name in six months.
Main Image: Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
