In the Ryan Day era, the Ohio State Buckeyes aren't known for using the tight end a great deal in the passing game. Usually, the Buckeyes have such great receivers that they don't need to use them. Tight ends are usually used more as blockers than anything else.
This past April, the Buckeyes had two tight ends drafted in the same draft for the first time in school history. Both Max Klare and Will Kacmarek were selected. Klare was taken by the Rams in the second round, and he just had his preseason debut. After his performance, Ohio State fans are wondering why he wasn't utilized the same way in Columbus.
Former Ohio State TE Max Klare has a massive preseason debut with NFL team
While playing against the Chiefs, Klare put on a pass-catching clinic. He caught seven passes for 37 yards, showing that he can be a reliable pass-catcher. Of course, Klare showed off those skills while he was at Purdue before he decided to transfer to Ohio State.
None of Klare's catches were for a ton of yards, but the consistency is what got fans' attention. While he was with the Buckeyes, he only caught seven passes in a game once. That was against Rutgers when he caught seven passes for 107 yards and a touchdown. In that game, neither Jeremiah Smith nor Carnell Tate was available.
Klare seems to have a real shot at being a big part of the offense in Los Angeles, even though Matthew Stafford was not actually playing in this game. Ty Simpson and Stetson Bennett were the only two quarterbacks to take snaps for LA in this first preseason game.
Even with that being the case, Klare looks like he is going to be a real weapon in the NFL. If he is, that can really help the Buckeyes when it comes to tight end recruiting. Most top tight ends don't think twice about Ohio State. Klare has an opportunity to help change that.
Former Ohio State players had some excellent starts to preseason
More than a few Buckeyes have had a good start to the preseason. We told you about Caden Curry's great first game as a pro. He isn't the only former Buckeye to have some strong moments in training camp and in preseason. Marvin Harrison Jr. had a nice touchdown catch. Josh Simmons is crushing players in practice, too.
Once NFL games actually start, there are going to be several recent Buckeyes who have a chance to be a big story this year. The three Buckeyes already mentioned are just some of them. J.T. Tuimoloau, Jack Sawyer, and TreVeyon Henderson all have a shot to win starting jobs, as well.
Of course, Ohio State has moved on from those guys. They are focused on winning a national championship with the players they have on this year's team. It's a roster that is still full of talent, even though the team lost plenty of good players from the team that won 12 games a year ago.
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