Ohio State Football: Wide Receiver Revival Needed
The Ohio State receiving corps must step up.
Urban Meyer’s nine unit strong approach to team success requires each unit operating at their top potential. As the 2016 Ohio State Buckeyes’ offense faltered in big games culminating in the New Year’s Eve trouncing, it became clear to everyone that one cog in the system was broken, the receiving corps.
The unit didn’t lack talent which is what drove fans crazy. Those in the stands or on the couch saw a supremely talented group of players, highlighted by Curtis Samuel, who didn’t perform to expectations. What was missing then if not talent?
The receiving corps in Urban Meyer’s system needs to be three strong with two wide receivers and an H-back. The 2016 featured the best all-purpose back in Urban Meyer’s tenure at Ohio State. In Curtis Samuel, Urban not only found his Percy Harvin type player, but possibly one who was better. The unit lacked consistency on the outside though.
The 2014 National Championship team, and the following rendition that should have won a national title, showed the path for success. One big play threat with great hands paired with a reliable receiver who is willing to block.
Devin Smith and Evan Spencer provided this combo atop the depth chart in 2014, with the added bonus of a future pro in Michael Thomas being a go-to receiver. In 2015, Thomas became the featured receiver he deserved to be. His skill set made up for the lack of a consistent pairing on the other side of the field.
The wide receiver talent in those years allowed Jalin Marshall (and an under-utilized Braxton Miller) to be efficient playmakers from the slot. Then the Buckeyes appeared to have their balance to Samuel when Noah Brown dominated Oklahoma in Norman to the tune of four touchdowns.
However, Brown fell off the radar somewhat after that game. Despite offensive explosions against Nebraska and Maryland, the offense never really felt better than it did way back in September.
Revival
The position group will enter fall camp having lost Brown and Samuel, while returning a host of receivers who didn’t do a lot of damage to opposing defenses. The success of this year’s corps will rely on players who have been around for a while and have made strides but need to make more big plays.
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Foremost of this group is Parris Campbell. He played significant downs for two very good teams in the past couple of years, but only caught 13 passes, barely more than one per start. Lining up across the field from presumed starter Campbell could be any of a number of high-potential yet unproven players.
Johnnie Dixon and Terry McLaurin combined for four touchdowns and nearly 200 yards in the spring game and could have the inside track to the second starting spot. Sophomore Austin Mack has been talked about glowingly since his arrival on campus. His experience in spot duty last year, plus additional time in the weight room, may allow him to blossom in year two.
Success from this years receivers could allow a new running-back convert to excel in the H-back position with Demario McCall. McCall seemed to make magic happen with every one of his limited touches last year, and his prominence this spring suggests he will be a big part of the offense.
Next: 2018 recruiting class now empty
With a seasoned veteran in J.T. Barrett throwing the football around, the Ohio State receiving corps could very well be ready for a revival, which will mean a ton of points and a lot of wins.