Ohio State veteran wide receiver and captain Parris Campbell didn't mince words Tuesday evening at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center.
When asked whether or not his team was heading into Saturday's season opener against Oregon State with an angry characteristic, his response was simple.
"I think we're very angry, just with all the adversity we've been through and everything that's happened in the past," Campbell said. "Us not having our head coach, being a man down, I think there's a lot of variables that go into it. But I think we're also angry just with the desire to be great and the desire to be better than we were last year."
Campbell leads an experienced receivers group into the upcoming season after catching 40 passes for 584 yards and three touchdowns last season. He's one of six returning receivers, including K.J. Hill, Johnnie Dixon, Terry McLaurin, Austin Mack and Binjimen Victor.
Of course, that group will have a new name throwing them the football as Dwayne Haskins replaces J.T. Barrett as the Buckeyes' quarterback.
According to WR Parris Campbell, the Buckeyes are angry. Theyll get a chance to take out their anger on Oregon State Saturday afternoon. pic.twitter.com/Fy3G30swWg
— Derrick Webb (@dw1509) August 28, 2018
"I think, seeing (Haskins) turn that corner was on the second weekend," Campbell said. "For any guy, that's usually the turning point. From the beginning, he wanted to open up and become that leader. You actually saw that happen. It starts with him just making plays, being loud in the huddle and being definitive in everything he does."
Campbell was also asked whether or not the offense would look different with Haskins under center, opposed to Barrett a year ago.
"Definitely. [Haskins'] ability, obviously says a lot," Campbell said. "The way he can throw the ball deep, the accuracy of his throws ... it's definitely going to be entertaining for sure."
As everybody who hasn't been living under a rock knows, the Buckeyes' receivers are currently operating under the direction of Brian Hartline, who replaces the departed Zach Smith. In this instance, change is definitely good — in more ways than one.
"The adjustment has been great. He's a great coach and he's played the game, he's been in our shoes," Campbell said. "So it's good. Our focus is just loving our coaches and loving what we're doing."
Ohio State welcomes Oregon State to Columbus Saturday with kickoff scheduled for noon on ABC.
"We're ready. Expectations are high. Expectations are always high" Campbell said. "It helps a lot to have the experience (in the receivers group). We have guys who have played a lot and in big-time games. So I think we know what the expectations are. We know what the standard is. It's up to us to demand that across the board."
