DL Jack Sawyer Proud of Ohio State’s 2024 Defense, He Tells Reporters at NFL Combine
As Jack Sawyer steps into the NFL Combine in 2025, he reflects on the remarkable journey that has led him to this point. A defensive lineman for Ohio State University, Sawyer has made a name for himself as one of the top prospects in the upcoming NFL Draft. With the bright lights of the Combine shining down on him, Sawyer took a moment to reflect on the Ohio State defense in 2024—one that made significant strides under the leadership of former defensive coordinator Jim Knowles. Sawyer’s pride in the team’s performance, the lessons he learned, and the growth he experienced over his college career are central to his journey as he prepares for life in the NFL.
At the 2025 NFL Combine, Sawyer made it clear that he was immensely proud of the work Ohio State’s defense did during the 2024 season. The Buckeyes were an elite defensive unit in college football, with Sawyer at the forefront. His pride in his team and the system they operated under was palpable as he spoke to reporters about the season.
The Evolution of Ohio State’s 2024 Defense
When Jim Knowles took over as Ohio State’s defensive coordinator in 2022, he brought a fresh, aggressive approach to the Buckeyes’ defense. Known for his innovative strategies and his ability to get the most out of his players, Knowles immediately reshaped the defensive philosophy at Ohio State. Sawyer, who had been a highly ranked recruit, had to adapt quickly to Knowles’ system, which placed a strong emphasis on versatility, communication, and discipline.
In 2024, the defense had fully embraced Knowles’ philosophy, and it showed on the field. Ohio State’s defense was one of the best in the nation, allowing fewer points than most of its opponents. The defensive line, anchored by Sawyer, played a pivotal role in the team’s success. Sawyer was the leader of a group that consistently got pressure on opposing quarterbacks, controlled the line of scrimmage, and was pivotal in stopping the run. As he reflected on that success at the NFL Combine, Sawyer was quick to credit the team’s chemistry and the coaching staff, specifically Knowles, for their ability to put together a top-tier defense.
“I think our defense in 2024 was a great example of everything that Coach Knowles wanted to implement when he first came here,” Sawyer said. “He put together a system that allowed us to be versatile, to communicate well, and to play fast. We really came together as a unit, and it paid off. I’m proud of what we accomplished.”
In 2024, Sawyer and his teammates were tasked with disrupting offenses and forcing mistakes. They did this successfully week in and week out. Ohio State’s defensive unit finished near the top in several key statistical categories, including total yards allowed and sacks. The defensive line, in particular, led the charge in terms of creating pressure, helping to set the tone for the rest of the team. It was a complete turnaround from the struggles of previous years.
“We had a lot of talent on that defense, and we knew how to use it,” Sawyer explained. “We had a good mix of experience and young guys, and that balance really helped us find success. Coach Knowles pushed us to be more than just individuals; he made us focus on playing as a unit, and that made a huge difference.”
The Role of Jack Sawyer in Ohio State’s 2024 Defense
Jack Sawyer’s role in Ohio State’s 2024 defense was one of leadership and execution. As a defensive end, Sawyer had to be a versatile player—able to rush the passer, stop the run, and occasionally drop into coverage. The flexibility and skill required for his position were emphasized in Knowles’ system, which sought to keep opposing offenses guessing at every turn. Sawyer’s physicality and intelligence allowed him to excel in this demanding system.
Sawyer’s ability to dominate as a pass rusher was a key factor in Ohio State’s defensive success. He finished his college career with double-digit sacks, routinely disrupting quarterbacks and forcing hurried decisions. But beyond his individual accolades, Sawyer also embraced the team-first mentality that Knowles preached. He was just as committed to stopping the run, setting the edge, and ensuring that his teammates could play freely and confidently.
“Playing defensive end in Coach Knowles’ system means being more than just a pass rusher,” Sawyer said. “You have to be able to set the edge, you have to make tackles in the run game, and you have to be disciplined in coverage. It’s a lot of responsibility, but I love that about the position. I love the challenge, and I think that’s one of the reasons we were so successful as a defense.”
Sawyer’s leadership on the field was also evident. He was known for his vocal presence and for holding his teammates accountable. As one of the more experienced players on the defensive line, he took pride in guiding the younger players and ensuring they understood the importance of teamwork and discipline.
“I was proud to be a leader on that defense,” Sawyer explained. “We had a lot of guys who were willing to work, and we all pushed each other to be better every day. That was a big part of what made us so successful. We had trust in each other, and that made all the difference.”
Jim Knowles’ Impact on Jack Sawyer’s Development
During his time at Ohio State, Sawyer’s relationship with Jim Knowles played a major role in his growth as a player. Knowles, who had previously been a defensive coordinator at Oklahoma State, was brought in to transform Ohio State’s defense. His defensive philosophy was built around the idea that defense should be just as dynamic and unpredictable as offense. Knowles wanted his players to play fast and react quickly, which required a deep understanding of the game and the ability to read offenses in real-time.
For Sawyer, the impact of Knowles’ coaching was immediate. The defensive line was asked to execute a variety of stunts, twists, and pressures designed to confuse opposing offensive lines. It required a high level of football IQ and communication—skills Sawyer worked hard to develop. Under Knowles, Sawyer learned to approach the game with a more cerebral mindset, not just relying on his athleticism but also his understanding of offensive tendencies and how to exploit weaknesses.
“Coach Knowles really opened my eyes to how much football is about studying and preparation,” Sawyer said. “It’s not just about going out and playing; you have to understand what the offense is trying to do and react to it. He helped me become a smarter player, and that’s something I’ll take with me into the NFL.”
Knowles’ influence on Sawyer was evident in the way he played. His ability to anticipate plays and adjust mid-game was a testament to the growth Sawyer experienced under Knowles’ system. It was clear to Sawyer that, in order to thrive at the next level, he needed to combine his natural talent with the mental aspects of the game. This is a lesson that he continues to carry with him as he prepares for the NFL Draft.
Preparing for the NFL Draft
As Jack Sawyer enters the NFL Draft process, his experiences at Ohio State, particularly under Jim Knowles, have shaped his approach to preparation. At the NFL Combine, Sawyer took the opportunity to showcase his physical attributes, including his speed, agility, and strength. However, beyond the drills and measurements, he knew the mental side of the game was just as important.
“The NFL is a whole new level, and I know I need to be ready for everything that comes with it,” Sawyer said. “I’ve spent a lot of time working on my technique, my conditioning, and most importantly, my understanding of the game. It’s not just about being a great athlete; it’s about being a smart, disciplined player who can contribute right away.”
In addition to his on-field preparations, Sawyer has been focusing on learning from NFL game tape and studying the playbooks of teams that might show interest in him. He knows that understanding the nuances of the NFL game will be essential to his success. Sawyer has also emphasized that he’s ready to contribute to whatever team selects him, whether that means rushing the passer, stopping the run, or taking on a leadership role in the locker room.
“I’ve learned that it’s all about adapting and doing whatever the team needs,” Sawyer said. “At Ohio State, I was willing to do whatever it took to help the defense succeed, and that’s the mentality I’m bringing with me to the next level.”