Riley Pettijohn is Ohio State’s best linebacker, and it isn’t really a debate anymore

Four games into the season, and I'm ready to go a step further. Pettijohn isn't just a young player who deserves more snaps. He's Ohio State 's best linebacker, and in my opinion it isn't even that close.

The sample size is still small, and I'll admit that, but look at what he has done with it. Through four games, Pettijohn has 15 tackles, four tackles for loss, two sacks and an interception on 145 defensive snaps, mostly as a rotational piece rather than a starter.

Payton Pierce , the starting Mike, has 20 tackles, half a sack and a forced fumble on 160 snaps. Christian Alliegro has 17 tackles on 141. Those are solid, steady numbers, but Pettijohn's are the ones that change and end drives.