Ohio State Buckeyes receiver Brandon Inniss, by virtue of being Brian Hartline-coached, could've had million-dollar offers in the Transfer Portal. By sticking around and being a vocal leader in the locker room instead, Innis was rewarded by being named one of the team's captains.
Cleveland.com's Stefan Krajisnik believes Inniss led by example by staying in Columbus and waiting his turn behind Emeka Egbuka, earning his "C."
"Inniss referenced his leadership trait as 'natural.' It’s carried with him throughout his collegiate career as a four-star prospect out of American Heritage High School in Florida," Krajisnik.
"While the vocal side has been celebrated by coaches and teammates, Inniss has also led by example.
"He waited behind Egbuka when opportunities to transfer were available. Any receiver who spent time with Brian Hartline would be a hot commodity in the portal, but Inniss elected to stay with the Buckeyes."
The Columbus Dispatch's Bill Rabinowitz gate-kept Inniss's arrival as a leader, claiming that the casual fan probably didn't see his rise coming.
"Styles was a no-brainer as one of the four captains, as was Downs. Siereveld was not a surprise after the growth he has shown. But wide receiver Brandon Inniss might have been an eye-opener for casual fans," Rabinowitz wrote.
"To those inside the program, it wasn’t. As a backup last year, Inniss earned much respect for the way he supported his teammates. He’s a more natural vocal leader for the wide receivers unit than the quieter Jeremiah Smith or Carnell Tate."
Brandon Inniss returning a major win for Brian Hartline
Inniss's success is a direct reflection of Hartline's leadership qualities. Just as Ryan Day paid his dues under Urban Meyer before ascending into the lead chair, Hartline is getting those key narrative wins now, too.
Of course, Day is in no rush to leave Columbus. And if something were to ever happen, this fanbase wouldn't accept him being replaced by his underling. That move wasn't popular with Day until he won it all, and that goodwill can be gone with another loss to TTUN and/or missing the College Football Playoff.
Hartline may not be the head coach-in-waiting at OSU, but he's becoming a brand regardless.
And who knows? If Inniss can become the next great Buckeye out of WRU to become a day one or two NFL draft pick, maybe Buckeye fans would one day embrace how well Hartline can coach up a player and be open to giving him a shot.