Ohio State Football: 2nd year offensive players will make a big impact
With the talented players in the 2018 recruiting class ready to make their mark, 2nd year players will make an impact for Ohio State this season.
The 1968 and 2014 Ohio State National Championship teams were led in large part by talented 2nd year players. If the Buckeyes are to make a serious run at the title this year that will be the case again.
The 2018 Ohio State recruiting class was loaded with talent and many of those players are prime to explode on the scene this season. I’ll take a look at 2nd year players on offense first, beginning with one who was in Georgia’s class.
Justin Fields: Everybody is expecting big things from the No. 2 ranked overall high school player in 2018. If anybody is nervous about a young quarterback running the show they shouldn’t be.
Rex Kern and J.T. Barrett never saw the field as true freshmen and they did pretty well the following year didn’t they? At least Fields saw action in 12 games for Georgia last season.
He will also have talented 2nd year players to throw to.
Chris Olave: The young receiver played extremely well filling in for Austin Mack last season. He had 12 receptions for 197 yards, 3 touchdowns and of course had a memorable game against Michigan. I expect big things from Olave this fall.
Jaelen Gill: The No. 2 ranked all-purpose back in the 2018 class has been compared to Parris Campbell. I can’t wait to see Gill with the ball in his hands in open space.
Jeremy Ruckert: He is a wide receiver in a tight end’s body and some have speculated he may play outside some this season. Wherever he lines up expect much more than 1 catch for 13 yards from the No. 2 ranked TE in the 2018 class. With his talent he simply has to be used in the passing game this year.
Now for a 2nd year player Fields will hand the ball to.
Master Teague: He has already proven to be a fine spring player and he should see plenty of playing time with Mike Weber moving on to the NFL. While J.K. Dobbins will be the featured back, I think this speedster will get his share of touches.
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We can’t leave out the linemen can we? I think all could make the two deep.
Nicholas Petit-Frere: The No. 1 tackle in 2018 has bulked up and is ready to compete with Branden Bowen for a starting spot on the right side of the line.
Max Wray: The former four star tackle could back up Petit-Frere if Bowen is moved back inside.
Mathew Jones: The former No. 1 ranked center would back up Josh Myers if the season started tomorrow. But some have speculated he could be moved to guard if this year’s top ranked center Harry Miller progresses quickly.
dark. Next. Big Ten will be decided by 'The Game'
It’s quite a talented group of 2nd year players on the offensive side of the ball. Later I’ll take a look at 2nd year defensive players and they are an impressive group also.