Ohio State depth on offense
On offense the questions are much fewer. Justin Fields is potentially set to have one whale of a year behind a stout and talented offensive line, and the weapons at his disposal on the outside should make this a bunch that is as explosive as ever.
The receivers should actually be slightly better, even with Hill no longer here. Hill’s replacement (from one of the best wide receiver classes ever at Ohio State) might have more speed and agility and could actually help in ways Hill couldn’t. Factor Chris Olave and Garrett Wilson coming back and there aren’t two better first options in the Big Ten. Now it’s just a matter of guys like speedster Jameson Williams, and that incoming freshman class that has the likes of top 2020 receiving prospect Julian Fleming in the mix.
Big Ten could test the College Football Playoff’s ‘four best teams’ standard https://t.co/VBkD1OZiaY
— Buckeyes Wire (@BuckeyesWire) September 16, 2020
The tight ends might be some of the most underrated in the country with Luke Farrell and Jeremy Ruckert coming back. Neither option is going to burn down the field, but both are the do-it-all type of tight ends that can still punish teams in the passing game as well as block in the running game. Of all the offensive position groups outside of QB, this might be the most secure.
The last group is running backs. While the Buckeyes may not have a “bell cow” type right now, Master Teague and Trey Sermon should be able to be better as a committee than last season. Health is a concern for Teague (though there are reports he’s full go) but this duo should be able to be everything the Buckeyes will need out of the position. Demario McCall could also be in the mix there as well.
All-in-all the Buckeyes could be better than last season. The biggest questions will be on the defensive side of the ball. Using the next month to figure out some of the spots will help, but they need to get to work sooner rather than later.