College Note - Ohio State Mitchell Melton

Defensive lineman Mitchell Melton has been medically cleared to participate in individual drills for Ohio State during spring practice. But Melton, who tore an anterior cruciate ligament in last year's spring game and missed the season as a result, is expected to remain limited to individual work for at least a majority of the practices over the next five weeks. "We've just got to be smart," Buckeyes coach Ryan Day said, "and bring him back the right way.

" As seen by reporters during a half-hour viewing period as spring practice opened Tuesday, Melton went through a series of drills with the defensive linemen. A versatile edge defender, Melton enrolled at Ohio State in 2020 as a linebacker before moving to the defensive line last year. His all-around skillset made him a candidate to line up at the "Jack" position, the hybrid defensive end-linebacker role, before he went down last April.

"We're hoping he can make an impact for us this year," Day said. "Before the injury, we were excited about him and what he was doing. He's got a really good pass-rush ability and good strength and play speed.

" - Columbus Dispatch .