Scarlet and Game
Fansided

Ohio State Football: 5 freshmen who could make an immediate impact

By Jacob Johnson

BLOOMINGTON, IN - AUGUST 31: Urban Meyer the head coach of the Ohio State Buckeyes gives instructions to his team during the game against the Indiana Hoosiers at Memorial Stadium on August 31, 2017 in Bloomington, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
BLOOMINGTON, IN - AUGUST 31: Urban Meyer the head coach of the Ohio State Buckeyes gives instructions to his team during the game against the Indiana Hoosiers at Memorial Stadium on August 31, 2017 in Bloomington, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
1 of 5
Next

These incoming freshmen could make an impact on the Ohio State football team in the 2018 season.

Welcome to Scarlet and Game! After the Ohio State Buckeyes wrapped up their 2017 season on Friday night with a 24-7 win over the USC Trojans in the Cotton Bowl, attention in Columbus will turn to next season and how the Buckeyes can get back to the College Football Playoff.

Typically on Urban Meyer’s teams, most freshmen either redshirt or ride the bench, but every year a few of those freshmen find roles. This year for example, JK Dobbins, Thayer Munford, Isaiah Pryor and Jeffery Okudah all found themselves getting legitimate playing time at some point throughout the season.

Now we will look ahead to next season and examine some of the possible candidates who can step up and contribute as Freshmen.

Jaelen Gill

Arguably the best player in the Buckeyes 2018 recruiting class, Jaelen Gill will have an opportunity to help the Buckeyes as soon as he arrives on campus. The 6’1” 182 pound all-purpose back from Ohio is the closest player the Buckeyes have had who would compare to Curtis Samuel since he left for the NFL.

Not only does he have the speed and skill of Samuel, he also brings more strength and ability to run through tackles than Samuel did during his Buckeye career.

Now looking at where Gill fits into the Buckeyes plan for 2018, the most logical position for him to play is H-Back. If Parris Campbell does end up declaring for the NFL Draft that wouls clear up a spot behind KJ Hill who would become the starter.

Demario McCall, another Ohio native, could also compete with Gill for that spot if Urban Meyer decides to move him from running back to H-Back, but that seems like a long shot.  In short, Jaelen Gill has all of the tools to immediately come in and contribute, but his chances to contribute will hinge on whether or not Parris Campbell returns or not.

Home/Ohio State Football