Spring Intro: WRs – Throw Them the Damn Ball

Last season: For the fourth consecutive year, Ohio State did not produce a 1,000-yard receiver. Not since Michael Jenkins’ 1,076-yard season in 2002, has an Ohio State wide out cracked the mega mark. And, it took Jenkins 14 games to get there. In fact, the Buckeyes have only had four 1,000-yard receivers ever (Jenkins, David Boston, 1998, Terry Glenn, 1995, and Cris Carter, 1986). I cannot believe I just typed that.

In that span, the Buckeyes have produced seven first-round draft picks at the position (not including Cris Carter), as well as a Heisman Trophy winning quarterback. By contrast, Michigan has had twelve 1,000-yard receivers in its history, with one every season since 1998 with the exception of 2006.

As Vince Lombardi would say, “What the hell is going out there?”

The easy answers include Ohio State’s balance, depth, and inclination to run the football. Nevertheless, if run-first teams like Michigan could do it, why not OSU?

Focusing on the immediate past, here is what happened:


This season: More of the same, right? I am not sure what else we can expect. Wells may be even more dominant and with more games being out of reach earlier, I cannot imagine these totals going up markedly. Unless the offense as a whole increases, in which case the receiving numbers would increase commensurately, I do not see these stats skewing upward. Then again, they made the National Championship last year, so it may not matter.

One thing that would surely help the passing game is a reliable third receiver. Ray Small was supposed to be that guy, and might still become that guy, but injuries and inconsistencies have held him back. He was progressing well until he had his bell rung late in his freshman campaign. He has never seemed the same since.

The starters: Robiskie and Hartline will be out there virtually every snap. When the Buckeyes line up in three-wide set Small will get the first opportunity. After that, the order is anyone’s guess (see discussion below). At tight end, Nicol and Ballard are solid, if undistinguished. Either or both could be the starter but do not expect Ohio State to throw to them much.

The reserves: This is the real intrigue among this group. After Small, Dane Sanzenbacher, Devon Torrence, and Taurian Washington have all seen the field. Incoming freshmen DeVier Posey, Lamaar Thomas, and Jake Stoneburner join in the chase for playing time.

Any combination of the above listed players could see the field this season. I did not see enough of the freshmen last season, with the possible exception of Sanzenbacher, to know which players garner more playing time. Sanzenbacher seems to be a Hartline clone. I do not dislike him, but I think they need an explosive presence on the outside; a player who runs reverses and turns wide receiver screens into 65-yard touchdowns. I am not sure which player best fits that bill but whoever it is, I want him out there.