Over the last four years, when Ohio State needed a big play at a key point, it was often Devin Smith who stepped up to change the tide in a game.
Smith had quite the career for the Buckeyes. It was filled with long touchdown catches and big plays. Over his four-year stint in Columbus, the speedy wide receiver totaled 121 catches for 2,503 yards and 30 touchdowns. He averaged 20.7 yards per catch in his career, good for fourth all time in Ohio State history.
Smith's best season, though, was his last. He thrived as the deep threat in Urban Meyer's offense as he caught 33 balls for 931 yards and 12 touchdowns. His 28.2 yards per reception as a senior is the highest per-catch average in the history of the Ohio State program.
Perhaps the most stunning stat, however, is the fact the Buckeyes never lost when Smith had a touchdown reception. Ohio State went 22-0 in Smith's career when he hauled in a touchdown.
To say his loss is a big issue might be an understatement.
When Meyer was asked last week at Big Ten Media Days who, right now, is the Devin Smith on the 2015 team, Meyer responded quickly. He just didn't have a name to give right away.
"That's a problem," Meyer said. "I don't know. On our board, when you walk into the offensive staff room, that's what we have to find out."
The Buckeyes have some options, but none of them are proven just yet.
Michael Thomas is Ohio State's clear-cut No. 1 receiver, but he's more of an all-around player, not exactly an over-the-top deep threat. In fact, Meyer himself even said he doesn't expect Thomas to play that role. "Mike Thomas doesn't really fit that job description," Meyer said.
Jalin Marshall, Corey Smith, Noah Brown, Johnnie Dixon, Parris Campbell, Terry McLaurin and the newly-moved Braxton Miller were all names Meyer mentioned after some thought to the initial question.
Marshall and Corey Smith are suspended for the season-opener, though, and Miller has never actually played wide receiver in a game. Brown has the most playing time out of the rest of the group, but it's minimal. Dixon had been battling injuries to both knees, but Meyer said he's ready to go for fall camp.
Devin Smith's replacement will have to come from someone who has little experience at the position. It's a problem Meyer and Co. will need to figure out in order for Ohio State's offense to be as explosive as it was in 2014.
"Right now, you got Johnnie Dixon, you got Parris Campbell, two young players. Terry McLaurin is very fast," Meyer said. "Could be a Jalin Marshall, could be a Braxton Miller.
"We gotta find that out."
