Six recruits and a transfer joined the Ohio State football team earlier this month. Here is a look at how the offensive players may benefit by doing so.
Joining the Ohio State football team in January can help every player simply because they learn what is expected of them and get to spend time Mickey Marrotti’s strength and conditioning program. But with each of the players who enrolled early this year it could lead to playing time as true freshmen.
Let’s first look at the offensive players who may benefit beginning with the five-star wide receiver.
Garrett Wilson: Usually a wide receiver coming in early may just help him see a little time on special teams and in garbage time as a freshman. This young man has a chance to make an impact next season.
If you watched him play in the All-American Bowl you know what I mean. Wilson is a more polished receiver than most young players and there are openings on the depth chart with Terry McLaurin and Johnnie Dixon moving on.
He will get his shot to impress the coaching staff during spring practices and could see significant playing time next season.
Marcus Crowley: The young running back need only to talk to J.K. Dobbins to understand how enrolling early could help him. Dobbins impressed everybody soon after he enrolled in January of 2017.
When Mike Weber went down with an injury before the season began Dobbins stepped in and set the Ohio State freshman rushing record. With Weber leaving there is an opportunity for Crowley to back up Dobbins.
He will have to battle Demario McCall and Master Teague for the spot which will be a challenge. But getting a chance to impress coach Tony Alford in the spring may very well help his chances of seeing the field next season.
Ryan Jacoby: Usually an offensive lineman would have a difficulty making the two deep even if he enrolled in January. Jacoby being on campus early has given him a shot to do so.
He is an interior lineman and one starting guard position is up for grabs and backup spots are at both.
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With the way Wyatt Davis played at the end of last season you would think he has one starting guard position sewed up. If Brandon Bowen is completely healthy he will probably be the other starter, unless he is moved to right tackle.
Regardless of how that plays out Jacoby has a chance of battling for a spot on the depth chart. Enrolling early will give him a chance to prove himself before fall camp begins.
Now for the transfer.
Justin Fields: If the QB receives a transfer waiver and becomes eligible to play next season, enrolling in January will be a huge plus. Getting to know his new teammates and becoming familiar with Ryan Day’s offense during spring ball will enable him to be up and running when fall camp begins.
It’s not always the case offensive players have a better chance of seeing the field by enrolling in January because they have to leap past players in front of them on the depth chart. The players mentioned above each have a real chance at making their mark as a true freshman, and being on campus early may help them do so.