Ohio State Football: Brian Hartline will produce elite WRs again in 2019
Brian Hartline was a terrific wide receiver for Ohio State and has already proven he is the right guy to teach others how to follow in his footsteps.
Former Ohio State wide receiver Brian Hartline got the promotion to be the interim coach at his former position last fall following the spiraling Zach Smith saga. Hartline, who is now one of the hottest up-and-coming coaches in the game, immediately embraced his role in hot pursuit of getting elite production out of his extremely talented group.
In 2018, the Buckeyes boasted one of the deepest receiving corps in the country that was overflowing with skill. Selfless senior captains Parris Campbell and Terry McLaurin led the way with stellar seasons.
Campbell caught 90 passes for 1,063 yards with 12 of those going for touchdowns. The blazing speed and crisp route running of No. 21 served as one of the Buckeyes’ biggest assets on offense last year, just ask That Team Up North.
Whereas McLaurin was the “jack-of-all-trades” for the Buckeyes in 2018. His wherewithal and passion combined to create one of the most beloved players of the Urban Meyer era. Coach Meyer even jokingly said he would name his son after Terry if he and his wife Shelley ever had another child.
Arguably the most notable play of McLaurin’s career was his block that took three Penn State defenders out simultaneously which allowed his teammate KJ Hill to high step into the end zone, capping a second straight double-digit comeback win against the Nittany Lions.
A lot of the success of the 2018 group of receivers can and should be attributed to Top-10 NFL Draft prospect and Heisman Finalist Dwayne Haskins. He threw for nearly 5,000 yards and 50 touchdowns last year elevating the Buckeye offense to No. 2 in the country.
However, a quarterback is a product of those around him, and there is no doubt about the marriage between Haskins and the wideouts last year was made in Heaven. Expect a similar formula to drive the Buckeyes again in 2019.
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Justin Fields will enter the season just as Haskins did last year. Neither quarterback was a starter the previous year, but was widely regarded as “better” than their counterpart.
Fields will have a plethora of weapons at his disposal as KJ Hill, Austin Mack, Binjimen Victor and Chris Olave will all be lining up out wide this coming fall.
Though there are large shoes to fill, expect Hill to step into Campbell’s role as the top target and vocal leader, and then for Olave to continue his ascent in Buckeye lore. Moreover, the Ohio State offense will be loaded with talent catching passes from transfer quarterback Fields as position coach Brian Hartline continues to develop his group, and win battle after battle on the recruiting trail.
Do not be surprised to see true freshman Garrett Wilson on the field next season making a name for himself. Wilson’s natural, raw talent has captivated the eyes of many with his potential being through the roof, especially being coached by an all-in, juiced-up Brian Hartline.
Next. Impact of 10 Buckeyes at the NFL Combine. dark
Coach Hartline is quickly taking on the role of former Cornerbacks Coach Kerry Coombs, who was always bringing 110% and was oozing with energy on and off the sidelines in both practices and games which provided a spark to the players and the fans.