My Top 5 Returning Players to Watch for Ohio State in 2019

My Top 5 Returning Players to Watch for Ohio State in 2019

Like many top programs, the Ohio State Buckeyes suffer every year from losing top talent to the NFL Draft or simply graduation. This year is no different, as Ohio State saw starters such as Dwayne Haskins, Nick Bosa, Parris Campbell, Dre’Mont Jones, and others leave in the draft. In fact, nine different players were drafted this year, and another four were signed as undrafted free agents. This sort of loss would cripple the future of many smaller programs. But not Ohio State, and in fact, there is much reason to hope for this year. Several players who started or contributed significantly last year are returning, and many of them are looking to be major weapons. Let’s examine a few of them. 

J.K. Dobbins, RB

The obvious name, Dobbins has been one of the better running backs in the nation since he came onto the scene his freshman year in 2017. Fast, powerful and elusive, Dobbins has the potential to build off of his stellar first two years and absolutely dominate the college scene this year. With a new quarterback, four new starting offensive lineman, and at least two new rotation receivers, Ryan Day will likely lean heavily on Dobbins at times this season as the new-look offense for the Buckeyes works out its kinks. Furthermore, Mike Weber, the other top running back at OSU last year, has also left, likely leaving Dobbins with the lions’ share of touches. In fact, even with Weber taking a decent number of snaps away from him, Dobbins has rushed for over 1,000 yards both seasons he’s started for the Buckeyes. Expect a big year from this talented back.

K.J. Hill

Another big name who stayed, K.J. Hill flashed immense talent with speed and athleticism all year in 2018. The star receiver had 885 yards and six touchdowns, good for a 12.6 ypc average. Ohio State is losing their leader of the receiving corps in Terry MacLaurin and their top speed threat in Parris Campbell, so it will be crucial that Hill steps up into the true no. 1 spot for the offense. He’ll also be vital in helping new transfer Justin Fields feel comfortable in the offense, as the young quarterback has a ton of talent but has yet to start in college. A consistent veteran receiver would likely go a long way in helping the transition. Fortunately, Hill should be there all year long, catching passes and making plays. 

Chase Young

The next great pass-rusher at Ohio State, Young stepped up in a big way when Nick Bosa went down with a core injury early in the season. Young is going to look to build off of a successful 2018 season that saw him amass 9.5 sacks and 33 total tackles. Though the defense lost a few key pieces in Bosa, Jones, and Safety Kendall Sheffield, there are many players returning to what was an uncharacteristically weak defense. The team likely hopes they can build to a better season after their defensive coordinator, Greg Schiano, left the team for the NFL. Time will tell, but a season that doesn’t see Young have double-digit sacks, assuming he plays the whole season, will be a huge surprise.

Jordan Fuller

Ohio State has a long, proud history of great defensive backs. Denzel Ward, Malcolm Jenkins, Marshon Lattimore, Mike Doss, and Malik Hooker are only a few big names that came out of Ohio State and went on to lead (or are leading) successful careers in the NFL. Jordan Fuller is the safety that hopes to continue that history. With 81 tackles, 61 of which were solo tackles, Fuller is always around the ball. Not only that, but his one interception last year came against Michigan in arguably the biggest game of the season. Fuller played so well, in fact, that it was a legitimate question as to whether he would declare for the draft last year, but now that he’s back, he’s poised to lead this defense from the safety spot and potentially become the next great Ohio State DB. 

Chris Olave

Chris Olave is the least-known and least-experienced player in this column, and as such bears the greatest possibility to have a disappointing season. After all, he was only a freshman last season. But we’ve already addressed how many receivers Ohio State has lost to the NFL, and Chris Olave may be ready to build off of a huge Michigan game where he scored twice and blocked a punt. His production grew at the end of the season, and this three-star recruit from California could be ready to step into a significantly expanded role. 

Though Ohio State is bringing in a new starter at quarterback, one thing that strikes me about this team is its absolute load of talent on offense at receiver. I haven’t even mentioned Binjimen Victor or Austin Mack, two other receivers looking to have big years to propel them into the NFL. There are definitely concerns at linebacker, where the team was exposed badly several times over the course of the season, and at offensive line, where four starters were drafted or signed into the NFL. But the team will likely lean into these five players as the new starters become accustomed to playing with the Buckeyes, and all indicators point to the fact that these players are ready to lead the latest incarnation of the Ohio State Buckeyes.

-By: Alex Spieldenner