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Ohio State Football: Breaking down the depth chart, receivers

By Frank Teriaca

GLENDALE, ARIZONA - DECEMBER 28: Garrett Wilson #5 of the Ohio State Buckeyes is tackled by Derion Kendrick #1 of the Clemson Tigers after making a first down catch in the first half during the College Football Playoff Semifinal at the PlayStation Fiesta Bowl at State Farm Stadium on December 28, 2019 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, ARIZONA - DECEMBER 28: Garrett Wilson #5 of the Ohio State Buckeyes is tackled by Derion Kendrick #1 of the Clemson Tigers after making a first down catch in the first half during the College Football Playoff Semifinal at the PlayStation Fiesta Bowl at State Farm Stadium on December 28, 2019 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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INDIANAPOLIS, IN – DECEMBER 07: Jameson Williams #6 of the Ohio State Buckeyes celebrates after the win against the Wisconsin Badgers in the Big Ten Football Championship at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 7, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. Ohio State defeated Wisconsin 34-21. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – DECEMBER 07: Jameson Williams #6 of the Ohio State Buckeyes celebrates after the win against the Wisconsin Badgers in the Big Ten Football Championship at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 7, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. Ohio State defeated Wisconsin 34-21. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

Backups: Jaylen Harris, Jameson Williams, Elijah Gardiner, Kamryn Babb

While there is a lot of potential in this group of receivers, this off-season is huge for each and every one of them as the incoming freshmen will be pushing them for playing time.

Out of this group look for speedster Jameson Williams to emerge as he received a lot of playing time last season as a true freshmen. This may also be the season in which Jaylen Harris from Cleveland Heights, Ohio can finely carve out some playing time of his own.

Babb is coming of two torn ACL’s in two years so he is a complete mystery. Let’s see how he responds come this spring. Gardiner is a big 6 foot 5 inch target who could be used in red zone situations.

Waiting in the wings: Julian Fleming, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Gee Scott Jr., Mookie Cooper

This is one of the most talented recruiting classes at the receiver position of all time. Julian Fleming is the 247Sports No.2 ranked player in the entire class and should quickly crack the rotation in a ‘Garrett Wilson’ type role like last season.

Jaxson Smith-Njigba might just be as talented as Fleming. He is the No.4 ranked receiver in this entire class and should also push some of the upper classmen for playing time.

Gee Scott Jr. and Mookie Cooper are four-star receivers and extremely talented in their own right. With so many receivers in the room it might be hard for these two to get playing time but coach Hartline is not afraid to play freshmen if playing time is earned in practice.

Down the pipeline: Marvin Harrison Jr., Jayden Ballard

The Buckeyes have already grabbed a pair of four-star receiver recruits for the 2022 class and that might be all they need with the stellar 2021 class ahead of them. Harrison Jr. is the big time recruit here with his lineage and familiarity with fellow 2022 QB recruit Kyle McCord, both playing at St. Joseph’s Prep in Philadelphia together.

Next. Coombs’ return reflection of Ryan Day’s impact. dark

Ballard is a Massillon, Ohio native and is 247sports No.73 ranked player in the entire 2022 recruiting class.

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