Ohio State Football: Freshmen who could make an immediate impact

There are usually freshmen on the Ohio State football team who make an immediate impact. Here are three who could next season.

With over half of the 2020 recruiting class stepping on campus this week as early enrollees, history tells us that a few of them will make an immediate impact. This past season, true freshman receiver Garrett Wilson and defensive lineman Zach Harrison were rotational players for the Buckeyes. Wilson even had a huge Michigan game with 118 yards receiving and a touchdown.

As the 14 early enrollees start school and enter the strength and conditioning program, which ones are most likely to make an impact for the 2020 team? Let’s take a look at three players who I believe will get significant game reps once the season opens.

Parris Johnson Jr., Offensive tackle

Parris Johnson Jr. comes in as one of the highest regarded prospects in program history. Getting compared with Hall of Famer Orlando Pace, Johnson comes in as the overall No. 7 player in this class as rated by 247Sports.

Johnson will get a crack at playing time right off the bat as the right tackle position is up for grabs. Nicholas Petite-Frere has a leg up in the battle because he’s been on campus for two years, but if Johnson truly is the next Orlando Pace then he will most certainly have a shot.

Also, left tackle Thayer Munford has a recent history of injury problems. Johnson could get a lot of time at left tackle in the early portion of the season to help keep Munford healthy for the stretch run.

Offensive line coach Greg Studrawa loves to rotate players in the two-deep, especially early in the season. So don’t be surprised if Johnson is at least getting reps at both tackle spots as the season progresses.