Ohio State Early Enrollees: A burner, 2 linemen and a QB
Early enrollees on offense.
In a previous article I discussed how recruits on defense might be helped by enrolling early. Now I’ll look at the ones on the other side of the ball.
Running back Master Teague is a real burner who has run sub 4.4 on the 40 yard dash multiple times. Two offensive lineman enrolled early as well. I think all three have a shot at playing time because of their particular situations.
Teague will have a hard time getting carries with JK Dobbins and Mike Weber in the backfield. But with his sub 4.4 speed, I’m certain he will be looked at to return kicks.
What better time to make your mark in that department than in spring ball.
6-4, 300 pound center Matthew Jones has a very good chance at making the two deep. Brady Taylor, who has been the backup for three years, is the presumed starter but nothing is certain.
The other veterans he will be competing against are converted guards like himself. Jones has tremendous footwork for a high school player and is ranked the No. 1 center in the country. I like his chances of seeing the field.
Max Wray is a 6-6.5, 289 pounds and the No. 9 tackle in the country. Normally I would say he is looking at a redshirt year but that may not be the case.
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The tackle positions are thin at the moment because of injuries and transfers and he at least has the opportunity of making the depth chart. Enrolling early may enable coach Marotti to put the extra 15 pounds on Wray he will need before fall camp begins.
Quarterback Matthew Baldwin isn’t listed as an early enrollee but it has been reported that he is. In fact, Cleveland.com reported that Baldwin said that the Ohio State medical staff wanted to take care of the injury he suffered in the Texas state playoffs last season when he arrived on campus earlier this month.
Unfortunately for the big armed QB that may be the only benefit he will receive by enrolling early. But having world-class health care is certainly a good one, and should get him on his way to a complete recovery as soon as possible.
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There are the early enrollees on the offensive side of the ball. I can see at least two of them getting reps next season.