The War Room: Mike Doss, S, Ohio State 
Safety
Mike Doss
College: Ohio State
Year: Senior
Height: 5’11"
Weight: 200
Birthday: March 24, 1981
Strengths: Strong safety Mike Doss is a playmaker who sets the tone for the Ohio State defense. Last year in the Buckeyes’ victory over archrival Michigan, he picked off two passes and broke up two more. Against Northwestern, he scooped up a fumble and ran it back 30 yards for a touchdown. He also blocked punts against UCLA and Indiana. With three sacks and 10 tackles for loss, Doss can disrupt the opponent’s backfield. As if that weren’t enough of a contribution, in the spring, the Buckeyes experimented with Doss as a kickoff and punt returner. An excellent high school running back who led McKinley High School in Canton, Ohio (yes, that Canton, Ohio) to back-to-back state titles, Doss may also see time on offense as a slot receiver in certain situations in 2002.
Doss has earned a reputation as a ferocious hitter who plays bigger than his size. He is an active, high-energy player and his teammates seem to feed off of his enthusiasm. Doss has great range and the athleticism to be effective enough in coverage that he could get a look as a bump-and-run cornerback.
Areas for Concern: At less than six feet tall and right around 200 lbs., Doss lacks the size that the NFL covets in a strong safety. He has shown a tendency, especially earlier in his career, to rush up to stop the run too aggressively, leaving him susceptible to the big play. After getting beaten deep for the game-winning touchdown by Purdue as a sophomore, Doss has taken a more disciplined approach and needs to continue to work in this area.
How Would He Look in Steel Blue? Doss would fill a big need for the Texans. Although he lacks ideal size, Doss is a heavy hitter and a playmaker who has an impact on the outcome of games in which he plays.
His effectiveness at the line of scrimmage and as a blitzer would also be an asset in the Texans defense as Dom Capers and Vic Fangio like to keep opponents guessing as to where the pressure will come from. However, Doss must continue to learn to play more disciplined football and ensure that he has taken care of his primary assignments in the defense first.
(profile written by Warren DeLuca)
Mike Doss’ 2001 Stats G TCK PBU INT FF FR 12 87 4 3 0 4 
Mike Doss 
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