Updated

Ohio State may have big question marks on defense.

The backfield, however, provides some answers.

Three of the four seniors on that side of the ball are in the secondary and figure to be a load-bearing wall for the rest of the unit.

Cornerback Bradley Roby, one of those building blocks, says the backfield is the backbone of the defense.

With C.J. Barnett and Christian Bryant also filling the safety positions, the Buckeyes have experience, savvy and talent. Doran Grant will get a long look at the other starting cornerback spot.

Filling in behind them are Corey "Pittsburgh" Brown and several youngsters, including two kids who are participating in spring workouts when they could just as easily be going to prom and planning graduation parties.