If you need more proof college football season is nigh, go to your local magazine rack and see how many season preview issues you can spot.
Hitting newsstands this week is the annual Sports Illustrated college football preview. One of four regional covers features Ohio State Heisman hopeful quarterback J.T. Barrett and comes adorned with a proclamation of the Buckeyes returning to the playoffs as a No. 3 seed.
Other issues feature USC quarterback Sam Darnold, Oklahoma State quarterback Mason Rudolph, and Alabama quarterback Jalen Hurts.
Per 11W recruiting director Andrew Lind, this is the 30th time Ohio State football has been featured on an SI cover, with it being the third time for J.T. Barrett. Only former wide receiver/quarterback Braxton Miller has more (four).
Here is the player to know entering the season, according to Sports Illustrated's experts:
The Buckeyes are replacing three starting defensive backs for the second straight season. Expect junior cornerback Denzel Ward to take full advantage of his newfound playing time and set the tone for the secondary. Ward thrived in a rotational role last fall, when he flashed the closing speed and impeccable timing to make up for a 5' 10", 191-pound frame that doesn’t stand out on a roster filled with taller blue-chip recruits. Despite coming off the bench he tied for the team lead with nine pass breakups, and he is the safe bet to emerge as Ohio State’s most reliable corner. Playing behind a star-studded quarterback-harassing front seven will only help.
Every cover comes with augmented reality technology, which can be accessed via the Life VR app.
Follow Eleven WarriorsFacebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube
