Ohio State football second year players that could breakout in 2020 according to ESPN

Many times we see a player really hit his stride in year two at a big-time program. ESPN has an opinion on who that might be for Ohio State.

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

Zach Harrison releases statement on representing Ohio State in the Big Ten Anti-Hate and Anti-Racism Coalition

Ohio State football’s Zach Harrison released a statement on his involvement with the Big Ten’s Anti-Hate and Anti-Racism Coalition.

The Big Ten is doing its best to move social justice forward. New Big Ten commissioner Kevin Warren announced the formation of the Big Ten Anti-Hate and Anti-Racism Coalition on June 1. Since then, we also received information on the members of that group that will work to move and shape social justice initiatives forward for the conference institutions and its individual members.

One of those members representing this all-too-important Coalition is Ohio State football defensive end Zach Harrison, and it’s clearly not something he is taking lightly. He released a statement on his involvement through the university on Tuesday evening.

“It is a huge honor to be nominated out of all the Ohio State students, faculty, and staff to represent the university for this necessary cause. As a member of the Big Ten Conference’s Anti-Hate and Anti-Racism Coalition, my goal is to take a stand against racism and all forms of prejudice. I hope to help educate people about the serious effects that hate produces in this world. We need to make change, and I am extremely proud to use my platform as an example of that change.”

We for one can’t wait to see Harrison’s work off the football field just as much as his work on it in the near future.

 

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Ohio State’s Zach Harrison, Garrett Wilson picked as 2020 breakout players by Athlon

Athlon Sports listed 35 breakout players for 2020 in college football and two of them belong to Ohio State. Who are they?

One of the signs I always pointed to for college football to be rounding the corner towards the home stretch of a season was when the preseason college football magazines came out. And while there are surely fewer paper copies being sold now than when I was running through the grocery store to pick them up, there’s still a following for the magazines both in hand and online.

That’s where Athlon Sports comes in. It has been a part of the annual parade to the grocery store for me for years, and it’s that time of the year yet again — though as mentioned — I get a lot of the information online now.

We’ve already discussed where Ohio State falls in its preseason top 25 rankings, but Athlon also published a list of 35 breakout players heading into the 2020 college football season. So what two players does the annual preseason publication have in the listing?

Let’s go through it.

Next … a breakout defensive end

Zach Harrison, Gene Smith two of eight Ohio State representatives on Big Ten’s Anti-Hate and Anti-Racism Coalition

Zach Harrison and Gene Smith are a part of 8 current Ohio State members that are a part of Big Ten’s Anti-Hate and Anti-Racism Coalition.

The Big ten announced the formation of an Anti-Hate and Anti-Racism Coalition just a couple of weeks ago. It followed that up with a reveal of members of that Coalition on Monday. It’s an extensive list, and one that includes eight current Buckeyes.

Included from Ohio State are football defensive end Zach Harrison as well as athletic director Gene Smith. The complete list of Buckeye notables on the Coalition include the following:

Donald Anthony Jr. – Fencing Head Coach
Karen Dennis – Director, Men’s & Women’s Track and Field, Cross Country
Zach Harrison – Defensive End, Football Team Student-Athlete
Jen Flynn Oldenburg – Volleyball Head Coach
Alexus Pyles – Women’s Track and Field Student-Athlete
Khadevis Robinson – Men’s and Women’s Track and Field Head Coach
Gene Smith – Director of Athletics
Tony White – Advisory Commission, Former Basketball Student-Athlete

Other notable members of the coalition from across the conference include Michigan’s Jim Harbaugh and Juwan Howard, Maryland head coaches Mike Locksley and Mark Turgeon, P.J. Fleck of Minnesota, Iowa basketball head coach Fran McCaffery, Michigan State’s Mel Tucker, Fred Hoiberg of Nebraska, Penn State’s James Franklin, the Chicago Bulls’ Doug Collins as a partner, and more.

“The events in our country and around the world during the past few months have strengthened my fundamental belief in our need to develop tangible and actionable efforts in a collective manner and provide viable solutions addressing the issues of hate and racism in our society,” said Big Ten Commissioner Kevin Warren in a statement. “We have the distinct opportunity and responsibility through our Coalition to continually encourage, educate and empower our student-athletes as we embrace transparent and much-needed dialogue regarding meaningful issues that have impacted race relations for many years.”

As a part of the communication, the Big Ten also announced the formation of a 16 person Voter Registration Committee that “will be designed to inform and educate student-athletes on the importance of civic engagement and how to register to vote and submit a ballot, in person or absentee.”

The committee will provide monthly educational programs beginning in July through the general election in November.

“The Big Ten Conference Voter Registration Initiative is a natural extension of the conversation within the Coalition,” said Warren. “An election year provides the opportunity to educate our student-athletes in a non-partisan fashion regarding the importance of exercising their civic right to clearly understand the political process, register to vote, cast a vote during the upcoming election, and provide adequate support to combat voter suppression. We are at an inflection point in our country. Empowering our student-athletes by encouraging them to use their voices illustrates how we can collectively work together to build a better future.”

 

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Ohio State football pre-spring 2020 projected depth chart

It’s almost time for some spring football in Columbus. We take a look at a projected pre-spring Ohio State two-deep depth chart for 2020.

We’ve already gone through this exercise just after the season ended, but we’ll continue to revisit it as we go through the offseason and on towards real, live American football in the fall.

We now know the early departures for the NFL, there’s a couple of dismissals to make note of, and a slew of early enrollees that will have a chance to make their mark. And with spring football right around the corner, it feels like a good time to do another projection for Ohio State football’s depth chart.

Disclaimer — this is clearly not set in stone and can and will change. But here we go for now with a two-deep.

Quarterback

1. Justin Fields**
2. Gunnar hoak

No change here. Fields is the guy, and based on what we saw last year, look for Gunnar Hoak to get the first crack at the backup job. He’ll be pushed though by incoming freshman C.J. Stroud and Jack Miller.

Running Back

1. Master Teague
2. marcus crowley

Teague still looks like the likely heir apparent to the dynamic Dobbins that’s off to the NFL. Look for Crowley to push for playing time and ultimately grab the backup role. Steele Chambers could also grab the backup spot in and open competition.

Next … the pass catchers

ESPN names Zach Harrison Ohio State football breakout player for 2020

ESPN named its 2020 breakout players for top 25 college football teams. It’s Ohio State defensive end Zach Harrison for the Buckeyes.

Ryan Day and Ohio State won a key recruiting battle last year when they were able to convince five-star defensive end Zach Harrison to join the Buckeyes instead of Michigan or Penn State. It was a close call with the local product on the fence all the way up until signing day.

Now that Harrison is a part of things though, he’s expected to be the next great defensive end at Ohio State. With the guidance of defensive line coach Larry Johnson in combination with the size and skill of Harrison, there’s reason to believe he can be that guy too.

But don’t just take our word for it, other sites and experts are high on the 6-6, 255 pounder being a force out on the edge in the very near future. In fact, ESPN published a piece identifying each of its early top 25 teams’ breakout player, and they have Harrison as the one to make a splash in 2020 for the Buckeyes.

Here’s what the ESPN staff says about the fast-twitch kid out of Lewis Center, Ohio.

Harrison was a five-star recruit in the 2019 recruiting class, and Ohio State fought off Michigan to land the 6-foot-6, 255-pound defensive end. Harrison had the opportunity to learn from Chase Young this season but got a chance to start when Young was suspended late in the season. Harrison took the opportunity and finished with 3.5 sacks and five tackles for loss, with 24 total tackles on the season. With Young off to the NFL, Harrison will be counted on even more in 2020 and could be the next great defensive end in a long line of excellent linemen to come through Ohio State.

We couldn’t agree more. Look for Harrison to take a big step forward this next year. He has big shoes to fill, but so did Nick Bosa, and so did Chase Young just before him. Buckeye fans should be excited to see what Harrison becomes over then next year or two.

 

Contact/Follow us @BuckeyesWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Ohio State news, notes and opinion.

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Five questions that need answered for Ohio State football in 2020

Now that Ohio State’s season is over, we can look ahead to 2020. Here are five questions that need to be answered for next year.

It’s going to feel like an eternity until Ohio State kicks off the next college football season, especially with how things seemed to end so abruptly against Clemson in the Fiesta Bowl. As with any college football team, there are always holes to fill and questions that present themselves in the offseason that will need to be answered.

Here are five questions Ryan Day and the rest of the coaching staff will need to address heading through winter workouts, spring ball, and ultimately the fall.

No. 1 – Who steps up in the secondary?

It’s probably the biggest issue that needs addressed going into next season. The Buckeyes lose three of four starters in the back-end of the defense, and those are huge hole to fill. Gone are starters Jordan Fuller at safety, and Damon Arnette and Jeff Okudah at the corner spots. Who will be the next man up at each spot?

At least Shaun Wade coming back will help out for the No. 1 corner spot, but there’s going to be one whale of a competition for the rest. Josh Proctor will get first crack at the safety spot, then you have Marcus Williamson, Sevyn Banks, Marcus Hooker, Amir Riep and others that will have to not only grab the other three, but play well in the spotlight.

Next … No Chase Young? Then who?

Hungry Yet Humble – Ohio State Football Players Making a Difference

Ohio State did an outreach event leading up to the Fiesta Bowl. Get a look at the impact it had.

While the major focus this week has been preparing for the opening match of the NCAA College Football Playoff, Ohio State football players made time to give back. On Monday, approximately 40 Buckeyes teamed up with children in need to take them on a shopping spree.

The event was a partnership between Dick’s Sporting Goods and Child Crisis Arizona, an organization that supports at-risk youth and families in Arizona. The players helped the children pick out clothes, toys, and equipment to ensure this holiday season will be one to remember.  Dicks Sporting Goods and the Fiesta Bowl Charities each equally contributed to allow each child to have $200 to spend on any item in the store.

Ohio State DE Zach Harrison had this to say about the event: “It’s rewarding to take part in events like this because it’s a reminder that not everyone is as fortunate as we are. I love doing this. I love being able to put a smile on a kid’s face. It’s very rewarding.

The No 2. seed Ohio State Buckeyes are back in action when they take on the No. 3 seed Clemson Tigers Saturday in the Fiesta Bowl in Phoenix, Arizona. The game is schedule for 8 PM EST.

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Ohio State vs. Rutgers 2019 football Preview And Prediction

Ohio State hits the road to take on a Rutgers team that isn’t good at football. Here’s a preview and prediction. It’s gonna be ugly.

Records

Ohio State (9-0), Rutgers (2-7)

Broadcast, TV, Game Time

Date: Saturday, November 16
Game Time: 3:30 ET
Network: Big Ten Network
Venue: SHI Stadium, Piscataway, NJ – Capacity: 52,454
All-Time Series: Ohio State leads 5-0
Last Meeting: Ohio State defeated Rutgers 52-3 in 2018


No Chase Young? No problem. Well, at least not against Maryland.

Rutgers won’t pose much more of a problem than a small speed bump on the way to a final stretch of games that will determine the Buckeye’s CFP fate. Coaches can tell you not to look ahead and to take each opponent seriously, but if Rutgers were to find someway to be competitive, let alone beat Ohio State, it would certainly go down as one of the biggest upsets in college football history.

Seriously. There’s simply no way this thing is close. But … there’s still a game to play and an all-expenses trip to take to the garden state, so off we go on this journey.

Win and you’re in… it’s that simple. Before we start looking ahead to the big ones, the Bucks need to take care of business in Piscataway.

Next … The game plan