Ohio State head coach Urban Meyer often says his goal is not to redshirt incoming freshmen, that if they’re good enough to play that’s what’s going to happen. But over the last few years, that hasn’t exactly been the case, as the Buckeyes redshirted 21 of 25 players from their 2015 class and 14 of 23 in the 2014 group.
Meyer and Co. may have no choice but to play some of the 2016 group, however, as Ohio State must deal with a massive roster turnover as the players who saw the majority of the snaps over the last two years exited the program. The Buckeyes have 42 players — exactly half of their scholarships for the 2016 season — with freshman eligibility.
Ohio State’s No. 4-ranked 2016 recruiting class reported from all across the country to Columbus over the weekend to begin their college careers. There were seven who have already been on campus since January as early enrollees, but the rest of this 2016 wave reported over the weekend.
And some of them are going to have to play right away for the Buckeyes. One would think, anyway.
Here are five freshmen from the 2016 class we think have a great shot to see the field right away for Ohio State. There may be more, obviously, but we’re limiting this list to five names.
Nick Bosa
He is still recovering from a major knee injury, but the younger Bosa figures to be fully healthy by the time fall camp rolls around as Ohio State defensive line coach Larry Johnson said following spring practice he was recovering at a rapid rate.
Bosa will look to follow in the footsteps of his older brother and add some depth to the Buckeyes’ defensive line right away before blossoming into one of college football’s most dominant players.
Jordan Fuller
Ohio State’s secondary only returns one starter and the rest of the back end is inexperienced so there is already an opportunity for Fuller to step in and get some early playing time. He’s a hybrid corner/safety-type who, if good enough, could see some time at nickel right away for the Buckeyes.
Jake Hausmann
Marcus Baugh is the only tight end of Ohio State’s roster with any playing experience, so while Baugh will unquestionably be the Buckeyes’ No. 1 option, the No. 2 spot is seemingly wide open.
Rashod Berry moved over to defensive end so redshirt freshman A.J. Alexander spent the majority of spring as the backup tight end, but Hausmann, Luke Farrell and Kierre Hawkins are all incoming freshmen who will battle with Alexander for the position.
Michael Jordan
This probably shouldn’t come as a surprise considering Jordan ran with the first-team offensive line for a good portion of spring practice. Can he hold onto one of the starting guard spots, though? Either way, Jordan should see the field this year.
Austin Mack
Like many of the other positions, there’s early playing time available at wide receiver and Mack seems to be the primary choice to get on the field quickly. He enrolled early so that certainly works in his favor, and he comes to Ohio State as a polished wide receiver who has a skill set that’s necessary for the Buckeyes’ offense.
