Perhaps the most talented room in the country, the Ohio State football program has been producing talented wide receivers since Brian Hartline took over. He has helped develop a slew of NFL talent. Many believe that Coach Hartline’s room is the most talented in the country and it’s hard to argue that. He continues to dominate in recruiting and continues to develop his talent.
Coach Hartline has done so well, he will be calling plays this fall
Today we will look at each wide receiver on scholarship and see where they are from, their HS ranking, and how we feel they will contribute this season. We will begin with freshmen and end with seniors.
Carnell Tate Freshman, Chicago, Illinois
Carnell Tate was considered one of the biggest gets for the Ohio State football program in the last recruiting cycle. Tate had a long relationship with Coach Hartline. However, Tennessee did everything it could to get Tate to be a Volunteer. In the end, Hartline’s long-standing relationship helped land the five-star talent playing out of IMG Academy.
At 6’2 180 pounds, he certainly has the size. He also impressed Ohio State coaches when he had his black stripe removed just a week into spring practice. It is extremely rare for a freshman to get their stripe removed that early. I believe he will catch many people’s attention this fall. According to 247Sports, his pro comparison is Calvin Ridley
Role Prediction: In rotation with the first-team
Bryson Rodgers Freshman Zephyrhills, Florida
Rodgers was a four-star prospect. He also had offers from just about everywhere in the country. However, he was a strong lock for Ohio State and never wavered his commitment. He is known for his slick route running. He also can take the top off a defense with ease.
Listed at 6’2 175, Rodgers has a great build. However, I believe he will need a year in the Hartline developmental stage to really see playing time. I believe he will play, and get some good late-game action. However, I do not believe he will see the field as much as Tate.
Role Prediction: Development year, but gets some playing time
Noah Rogers Freshman Rolesville, North Carolina
One of the more interesting recruiting battles of the cycle was Noah Rogers. Standing at 6’2 192 pounds, he was a top 100 prospect in the nation. The Ohio State football team was battling for Roger’s commitment against Rogers’ local school NC State. Many of Rogers’ friends went to NC State, so it was going to be tough to hold them off.
However, Hartline was able to fight off Wolfpack fans and secure a prized prospect. They secured the number one player in North Carolina over the Tar Heels and others. Rogers finished his career at Rolesville High School with over 3,200 receiving yards. I think Rogers and Rodgers will have very similar year-ones. Development years, and get ready to battle for a starting spot next spring.
Role Prediction: Development year, but gets some playing time
Brandon Inniss Freshman Hollywood, Florida
A favorite prospect of mine, Inniss was a massive get for Coach Hartline. Inniss was once upon a time committed to Oklahoma until Lincoln Riley took the job at USC. After this, Inniss took a step back and de-committed and reevaluated his choices. Hartline had to battle schools some of the best schools in Alabama, USC, and more.
However, Hartline is an incredible recruiter and was able to land his commitment. At 6’0 190 pounds, Inniss has elite route running and speed. He can also be a physical presence and go after the ball. He was unable to enroll this winter, so he will be behind Tate and others. I think Inniss will see playing time later this season when he is able to get more familiar with the playbook.
Role Prediction: More playing time as the season goes on
Kyion Grayes Sophomore, Chandler Arizona
Grayes is a really talented receiver. His route running is something to behold. He now has a full year of development from Ohio State. I believe he will see more playing time than he did a year ago. This being I believe he is too talented not to be out there. With an offseason to put on more muscle, and refine your route tree, I believe we will see Grayes get in the rotation with the ones. Put on the tape and you’ll see his routes look just like Chris Olave.
Role Prediction: Second team, but could move into first team
Kojo Antwi Sophomore, Suwanee Georgia
Antwi and Grayes are the last two remaining wide receivers from a great 2022 receiver class. That is the world we live in with the transfer portal. I believe that Antwi is also very talented. Like Grayes route running, Antwi has elite speed. He wasn’t able to enroll early so he also didn’t get as much field time.
However, I believe Antwi is too talented not to be out there. I believe he will get some reps with the first team. He was recruited by some of the best schools in the country. I think he takes the next step.
Role Prediction: In rotation with the first-team
Emeka Egbuka Junior, Steilacoom, Washington
You could make the argument that Egbuka is one of the most underrated wide receivers in the nation. He had over 1,100 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns. Last year’s campaign is statistically fifth all-time in Ohio State football history for a single season for receiving yards.
I think he will continue to be the Robin in the Marvin Harrison Jr. Combo of Doom. Egbuka is going to be a 1st round pick at this rate. As he should he was a high prospect out of high school. Egbuka will go for another 1,000 yards.
Role Prediction: Day one starter
Marvin Harrison Jr Junior Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Alright, what more is there to say about Marvin Harrison Jr, except that he should have won the Biletnikoff Award? Many don’t remember due to Jaxon Smith-Njigba’s incredible Rose Bowl Game, but Harrison Jr. had three touchdowns in that game.
Harrison Jr. was truly unguardable last year. His 6’4 frame makes him a matchup nightmare for defensive coordinators. He had over 1,200 receiving yards and 14 touchdowns. I do not expect a drop-off, as if Kyle McCord is the starting QB as many expect, they played high school football together. I think he will cement himself as a top 3 NFL Draft pick
Role Prediction: Leader of wide receiver room and secures a Biletnikoff award
Julian Fleming Senior Catawissa, Pennsylvania
Fleming was a top prospect coming out of high school but hasn’t been able to find his true footing in the room. When he is out on the field, you can obviously tell he is super talented. It is just that, well Egbuka and Harrison Jr, are just better.
Fleming is a leader and a valuable asset to the room. I really hope he is able to become a great option to give Ohio State a three-headed monster for receivers. He had over 500 receiving yards and six touchdowns. He has also been hit with the injury bug throughout his time at Ohio State. If he can stay healthy look out.
Role Prediction: Starter if healthy
Xavier Johnson Graduate Cincinnati, Ohio
Another favorite of mine, but for a different reason. He was a walk-on originally for Ohio State. Now? He is a critical piece to the Ohio State football team’s offense. He has a Swiss army knife-like quality that you saw against Georgia. He can play running back, slot, and outside receiver. Besides his offensive value, he also has one of the greatest talents you could want as a coach, the ability to play special teams.
He made tackles on special teams and returned kickoffs as well. Johnson will have a bigger role and truly is hard not to root for him. He has earned his playing time and will see his role increase.
Role Prediction: Ohio State’s Swiss Army Knife