It seems like every column I now start with something along the lines of “we hope there’s a college football season,” or “as the COVID-19 pandemic puts the college football season in doubt,” but not this time. You know the story here, and where the world is at, so we’ll just forge ahead.
We’ve been keeping an eye on ESPN’s off-season posts and previews about the upcoming season and they’ve touched on a lot of topics when it comes to analyzing the teams’ in its preseason top 25 rankings. The latest piece (subscription required) is a look at which second-year players could have potentially breakout seasons. And with Ohio State ranked as ESPN’s No. 2 team preseason, there were some opinions on who that might entail on the banks of the Olentangy.
So who did Tom VanHaaren identify for the Buckeyes as potentially making a huge leap forward in 2020? Some guys you might agree with actually.
Next … Ohio State’s breakout players this fall per ESPN
WR Garrett Wilson and DE Zach Harrison
What VanHaaren says
“Wilson played in all 14 games last season for Ohio State and finished with 432 receiving yards and five touchdowns. His best game, statistically, came against rival Michigan, when he hauled in 118 yards and a touchdown. He made some outstanding catches throughout the season, showing off his playmaking ability and why Ohio State made him such a recruiting priority.
With three of Ohio State’s five leading wideouts off to the NFL, Wilson has a chance to take on a bigger role and be an integral part of the offense. Having spent an entire season with quarterback Justin Fields, that added time and chemistry will only help as Wilson looks to take the next step in his career.
On the other side of the ball, the Buckeyes and defensive line coach Larry Johnson have had an excellent track record at defensive end the past few seasons, so it’s fair to say a five-star defensive end in Zach Harrison could be an impact player this season.
Harrison filled in when Chase Young was suspended for two games and played in all 14 games. He had 24 total tackles, 3.5 sacks and five tackles for loss in a backup role. As a starter, Harrison has an opportunity to become a dominant player like so many defensive ends before him at Ohio State.”
Next … What we say
What we say
I agree that Zach Harrison should be that next guy to show up in a big way as the next great edge rusher at Ohio State. He’s got all the measurables and skill sets as one of the most highly recruited players in the 2019 class. Add that to the loss of Chase Young, and he should get a lot more reps and opportunity to show what he can do. He’s quick, strong, rangy, and extremely athletic. and with arguably the best D-line coach in the college game, Larry Johnson, teaching him, the sky is the limit.
When it comes to Garrett Wilson, there’s no denying the kid’s talent, but he’s got a bevy of talented wide-receivers to compete with. He’ll have his moments and spots no doubt, but I’m not sure you’re going to see a big-time jump in what we saw last season. His numbers will be better for sure, just because there are less seasoned players in front of him, but you have to believe Chris Olave will be the main target, with freshmen like Julian Fleming, Jaxon Smith-Ngjiba, and Gee Scott getting in the mix there somewhere too. Does the coaching staff utilize them all, or give the more experienced guy more reps. That remains to be seen.
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