Ohio State Football: Julian Fleming needs to step up

The Ohio State football team is going to be without its two best receivers in the Rose Bowl after Chris Olave and Garrett Wilson decided to opt out of the Rose Bowl. Now, it’s time for the Buckeyes to show their depth at the wide receiver position.

One receiver in particular needs to show off, and that receiver is Julian Fleming. Fleming came in as the number one receiver in the class of 2020. He spent most of that freshman year injured and wasn’t able to contribute in any sort of meaningful way. He’s been buried behind three other great guys on the depth chart too.

This would be the game for him to break out. He and Jaxon Smith-Njigba will be the two primary receivers in this game. Fleming has modest stats again this year, only recording 7 catches for 51 yards and a touchdown. He’s been almost non-existent for this team.

If Fleming can step up and play well, that would give him an enormous amount of confidence heading into the 2022 season. He could be another outstanding weapon that C.J. Stroud would have access to next season and would be an outstanding second option behind Smith-Njigba.

Utah is a tough opponent to have to face in a circumstance like this. Fleming should be finally healthy and ready to explode in this one. His physical talents have never been questioned. I’m really excited to see what he can do now that he is given the opportunity.

Fleming’s success in this game will go a long way in determining the success of the Ohio State football team at large against the Utes. They will likely key in on Smith-Njigba in the passing game, leaving Fleming with one-on-one coverage outside. If he can take advantage of that, that blows up Utah’s entire gameplan.

This is something I’m going to be watching the entire game. I’ve waited for Fleming to make an impact for a while now, and it looks like he finally might get the chance to do so.