New Orleans Saints 2017-2020 LB - Pete Werner ('20 First Team All-B1G)

Urban Meyer on Ohio State linebacker Pete Werner, who has quite clearly been one of Meyer's favorite players dating back to last season: "My goodness, Pete Werner's a hell of a player."

— Dan Hope (@Dan_Hope) October 4, 2018

 

Gameday+ | Spotlight player: Ohio State LB Pete Werner https://t.co/GZl93iGAub

— BuckeyeXtra.com (@BuckeyeXtra) October 12, 2018

 

Pete Werner

+ Minnesota had success with the slants because they were run-pass options designed to take advantage of what the linebacker was doing. If the linebacker came after the run, they would throw the slant. If the linebacker stayed in pass coverage, they would hand the ball off.

 

Shea Patterson rolls out right and hits Zach Gentry, but Pete Werner breaks up the pass at the last second and Ohio State holds Michigan again. Buckeyes 7, Wolverines 6 with 14:51 left in the second quarter after Jake Moody's 31-yard field goal. Another bend-don't-break effort. pic.twitter.com/uZ4rn3hVaR

— Garrett Stepien (@GarrettStepien) November 24, 2018

 

Pete Warner save a TD. STRONG @petewerner23 pic.twitter.com/GY8YNQxAGO

— Lettermen Row (@LettermenRow) November 24, 2018

 

Such an honor to meet Quinn. Keep fighting and hope to see you at the spring game! @DanEaly1 pic.twitter.com/nabsqiYhDG

— Pete Werner (@petewerner23) January 5, 2019

 

Pete Werner
2018 stats: 58 tackles (38 solo), 7.5 tackles for loss, 3 sacks, 7 pass break-ups, 1 quarterback hurry, 2 forced fumbles

Werner's main competition: Baron Browning, Justin Hilliard, Dallas Gant

Analysis: Werner surprised many people by becoming a starter as a true sophomore last season and came fewer than 40 snaps from Harrison, who played the most snaps of any linebacker.

However, given his his struggles and Browning's talent, he'll have to have a strong spring to maintain his hold on the starting position. Browning was the top outside linebacker in his recruiting class, yet hasn't broken out in his two years at Ohio State. However, he's supremely athletic and will be a player to watch this spring.

Both Hilliard (injuries) and Gant (inexperience) are longshots to push Werner for his starting job, but they could factor in to the rotation, too.

 

BuckIQ: Pete Werner can be key cog for revamped Ohio State linebackers https://t.co/RPsEsNyFhD

— Lettermen Row (@LettermenRow) March 27, 2019

 

Pete Werner is in position to remain Ohio State's starting strongside linebacker, and the Buckeyes' new defensive scheme could help his game even if it decreases his playing time. https://t.co/yBegYbXMzR

— Eleven Warriors (@11W) July 4, 2019

 

Greg Mattison has been "really impressed" with Pete Werner, who appears likely to remain Ohio State's starting Sam linebacker after Mattison called him "a top guy at his position". https://t.co/mI6mbdWER0

— Eleven Warriors (@11W) August 14, 2019