The scene at Ohio State’s spring practice looks different than in recent years. Defensive linemen are dropping into coverage. Linebackers are rushing off the edge. Safeties are rotating between deep zones and box assignments within the same series. Welcome to Matt Patricia’s defensive laboratory, where experimentation isn’t just permitted—it’s the entire point.
“Practice time the past two weeks has been like lab time for science class,” noted one observer. “Lots of experimenting to see what works, what doesn’t work, and who needs work.”
This laboratory approach marks a significant shift in how Ohio State prepares defensively. Rather than focusing primarily on refining a consistent defensive identity, Patricia is using spring practice to explore multiple defensive configurations, create situational packages, and identify unexpected player capabilities—all with an eye toward building a defense that can adapt to any game situation.
Cross-Training for Versatility
At the heart of Patricia’s laboratory approach is comprehensive cross-training across position groups. Cornerbacks are taking reps at safety positions. Linebackers are working on both coverage and pass-rush techniques. Defensive linemen are practicing drops into short zones.
“Our job as coaches is to have packaging that if those guys earn the right to be on the field, we’ve got to put them on the field,” safeties coach Matt Guerrieri explained. “So how do we find the balance to play multiple safeties, multiple corners and different packages? Matt Patricia is the guru of being able to do that throughout his career.”
This cross-training serves multiple purposes. Beyond building depth through positional flexibility, it gives Patricia insight into hidden talents that might otherwise go undiscovered. A linebacker who shows unexpected coverage skills might become part of a specialized third-down package. A defensive end who demonstrates lateral quickness might be used in zone blitz concepts.
“I’ve coached all of it,” Patricia noted when discussing his defensive experience. “I’ve coached 3-4, 4-3, nickel, big nickel, dimes, all those packages, four down fronts, five down fronts, odds facing. You kind of just do it through the course of the year.”
Situational Specialization
Perhaps the most distinctive feature of Patricia’s practice laboratory is his emphasis on situation-specific defensive packages. Rather than running team periods that simulate general game flow, Patricia creates highly specific situations—third-and-long, red zone, two-minute drills—and experiments with specialized personnel groupings for each.
This approach reflects Patricia’s NFL background, where situational packages are standard practice. The difference is the scale of experimentation, as Patricia tests far more combinations than would be typical in an NFL setting where roles are more established.
“The beauty of football, and something I learned at New England, was taking the extremely complex and boiling it down to maybe three to five simple things so we can detail that out as much as possible,” Patricia explained. “Going into a game, my goal was always to make sure they could play fast and aggressive.”
This balancing act—between experimentation and simplification—defines Patricia’s laboratory methodology. He’s constantly testing new combinations while ensuring players understand core concepts well enough to execute at full speed.
Position-Flexible Planning
The experimental nature of spring practice has revealed Patricia’s vision for a position-flexible defense—one where traditional designations matter less than specific skills and situational deployment.
C.J. Hicks’ transition from linebacker to defensive end exemplifies this approach. Rather than moving him permanently, Patricia is exploring how Hicks might be used in multiple roles depending on situation and opponent.
“Former New England Patriots outside linebacker Willie McGinest and current Philadelphia Eagles outside linebacker Nolan Smith are a couple of players who defensive coordinator Matt Patricia has told Hicks he could play like,” reported one outlet covering spring practice.
Similar experimentation is happening across the defense. Arvell Reese is working at traditional middle linebacker positions while also taking reps as an edge defender in certain packages. Sonny Styles is practicing everywhere from deep safety to box linebacker, preparing for a multi-faceted role this fall.
“His length and ability to move around and position flex makes him all the more valuable,” linebackers coach James Laurinaitis said of Reese, encapsulating the position flexibility Patricia is developing through his experimental approach.
Data Collection and Evaluation
Patricia’s laboratory isn’t just about experimentation—it’s about rigorous evaluation. Each practice configuration generates data points that inform future decisions, creating an iterative development process that continues refining throughout spring and into fall camp.
“I’m not playing,” Patricia emphasized during spring practice. “They play the game, so let them get on the field, let them play fast, let them play aggressive.”
This player-centered evaluation methodology ensures that experimental packages are judged by performance rather than preconceptions. If an unexpected combination proves effective in practice situations, it earns further development regardless of whether it fits traditional defensive paradigms.
“My goal is to figure out what you do well,” Patricia explained. “How do I put you in the best position to get on the field and do that job well? Because if you can play fast and aggressive because you’re in your proper skill set, then you’re going to be disruptive as a defensive player.”
From Laboratory to Gameday
As spring practice concludes, Patricia’s experimental approach transitions into more focused implementation. The laboratory findings—which player combinations work best in which situations, which versatile defenders can handle multiple assignments, which specialized packages create matchup advantages—will inform a defensive gameplan that maintains complexity for opponents while remaining executable for players.
“Cornerbacks coach Tim Walton warned observers not to read too much into specific alignments seen during spring practice,” noted one report, highlighting how Patricia’s experimental approach is building toward a more defined system as the season approaches.
For Ohio State fans, Patricia’s spring laboratory offers exciting possibilities despite the departure of eight defensive starters. By testing so many combinations and discovering unexpected player capabilities, Patricia is creating a defensive system with greater adaptability than a more conventionally developed unit might possess.
The ultimate test will come when Ohio State faces Texas in the season opener on August 30. But the foundation being laid through Patricia’s experimental approach—multiple defensive packages, position-flexible personnel, and situation-specific deployments—suggests a defensive unit preparing not just to replace departed stars but to redefine what Buckeye defense means altogether.