Jack Sawyer, a standout defensive lineman for Ohio State, has experienced significant growth during his college football career, much of which can be attributed to his development under former defensive coordinator Jim Knowles. As Sawyer prepares for the 2025 NFL Draft, he has openly reflected on his time at Ohio State, including his relationship with Knowles, the challenges he faced in adapting to various defensive schemes, and his current draft preparations.
Jack Sawyer’s Journey at Ohio State
Sawyer, a highly touted recruit, was expected to make an immediate impact upon joining Ohio State. Early in his career, he found himself transitioning into the ‘Jack’ position, a hybrid defensive role that requires both linebacker and defensive line responsibilities. Under Jim Knowles, who took over as the Buckeyes’ defensive coordinator in 2022, Sawyer was tasked with adapting to this versatile role. It required a significant shift in mindset and skillset.
The ‘Jack’ position can be seen as a hybrid role combining pass-rushing abilities with more traditional linebacker duties, such as dropping back into coverage or defending against the run. Sawyer admits that it was a challenging transition at first, but one that he ultimately embraced. In multiple interviews, Sawyer reflected on how Knowles’ defensive schemes pushed him to expand his game beyond his comfort zone as a pass-rusher. Although his primary strength has always been his ability to get after the quarterback, the ‘Jack’ role forced him to learn and execute more complex defensive assignments.
Growth Under Jim Knowles
Despite the growing pains, Sawyer has expressed how invaluable the experience of learning under Knowles was for his development. The defensive coordinator’s approach was instrumental in shaping Sawyer into a more complete player. Sawyer credited Knowles with helping him become a more versatile defender, one capable of impacting a game in multiple ways, not just as a pass rusher.
In particular, Sawyer mentioned how Knowles’ system demanded a higher football IQ and the ability to read offenses in real-time. Knowles’ defensive scheme aimed to create confusion and leverage players’ strengths to their advantage, which required constant communication and adaptability. For Sawyer, this meant working on not only his technique as a defensive end but also understanding the intricacies of defensive play-calling and the chess-like decisions that come with it.
“Jim helped me see the game from a bigger perspective,” Sawyer said in one of his interviews. “It wasn’t just about rushing the passer; it was about understanding the bigger picture of what we were trying to do as a defense. He made me realize that every play, every snap, had a purpose beyond what I could see in the moment. It was a shift in mentality that took time to grasp, but once I did, I felt I was a better player for it.”
Adapting to the Defensive End Position
While Sawyer’s development under Knowles was rooted in versatility, there was a time when he felt the need to return to his roots as a traditional defensive end. By his third season, after adjusting to the complexities of the ‘Jack’ position, Sawyer began to focus on refining his skills as a pass rusher. His switch back to playing primarily at defensive end allowed him to hone his pass-rushing technique and continue to build on his athletic strengths.
At this point, Sawyer began to feel more like himself as a player. He could focus on what he did best: disrupting opposing quarterbacks. This return to a more familiar role gave Sawyer the confidence to finish out his college career strong, knowing he had grown from the challenges he faced earlier in his college days. But the impact of Knowles’ coaching style stayed with him, particularly in how he views his approach to the game now.
“I had to really focus on what I could control,” Sawyer explained. “The position change at first was tough, but once I understood that every role I played helped me grow as a player, it made me a better overall athlete. And working under Coach Knowles gave me the tools to play a more complete game.”
Preparation for the NFL Draft
As Sawyer looks ahead to the NFL Draft, his mind is focused on improving himself both physically and mentally. Having refined his defensive techniques over his time at Ohio State, Sawyer now aims to showcase his abilities in a manner that will appeal to NFL scouts. His combination of size, strength, speed, and agility makes him an appealing prospect for teams looking for a versatile defender.
In preparation for the draft, Sawyer has spent time working on his overall conditioning, refining his pass-rushing moves, and studying game tape from previous NFL seasons. His goal is not only to prove he can handle the demands of the NFL but also to show that his time in Knowles’ system has prepared him for the speed and complexity of professional football.
“I’ve learned a lot from playing under Coach Knowles, but I’m also focused on making sure I’m ready for what’s next,” Sawyer said. “The NFL is a whole different animal, and I know that being able to rush the passer effectively is huge, but it’s also about being able to do more—whether it’s coverage, stopping the run, or making smart decisions in the heat of the moment. I’ve been preparing for all of that.”
Sawyer’s journey to the NFL Draft will likely include workouts, interviews, and team visits where he can further showcase his talents. His combination of physical attributes and football intelligence could make him an appealing prospect to NFL teams, especially those looking for a defender with a versatile skill set. As teams consider their options, Sawyer is determined to prove that his development under Jim Knowles’ system gives him an edge over other defensive prospects.
What Jim Knowles Meant to Sawyer
While Sawyer has spoken at length about his physical preparation for the NFL Draft, he has also expressed deep gratitude for his time under Jim Knowles’ tutelage. Knowles, who had a successful stint as the defensive coordinator at Oklahoma State before joining Ohio State in 2022, brought a different approach to coaching that resonated with Sawyer.
“I can’t thank Coach Knowles enough,” Sawyer said in a recent interview. “He brought a level of intensity and strategic thinking to Ohio State’s defense that really made me think