From: AP via DaytonDailyNews.com –

COLUMBUS, Ohio — When it comes to its linebacking corps, Ohio State is hitting .667 in spring ball.

With two of the three starters returning, it isn’t nearly as important for the Buckeyes to find a replacement for the graduated Austin Spitler as it is to find the right fit.

“Really, there’s going to be pretty good competition at the linebacker group,” defensive coordinator Jim Heacock said at the start of spring workouts. “You’ve got the two naturals, you’ve got Ross Homan and Brian Rolle, those are your two linebackers. Now who’s the third-best one?”

The answer to that question so far is junior Etienne Sabino.

Senior starters Rolle and Homan are back in the fold from last year’s team that captured a fifth straight Big Ten title and went on to win the Rose Bowl. But the absence of Spitler leaves a leadership vacuum plus what he offered in experienced play.

“Obviously, Austin Spitler must have meant a lot to our guys for them to vote him captain without ever having started a game,” head coach Jim Tressel said. “So his leadership will certainly be missed.”

Spitler was a popular and respected elder statesman on the team, a practical joker, a selfless team player and a coach on the field. He waited patiently as a backup for three years behind All-American James Laurinaitis before finally become a starter last season. Then, when his moment had finally arrived, he was bumped to the strongside linebacker job from inside.

Still, he made the move and never complained…..

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