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Ohio State blows out Indiana, 38-15. Now, it's time to do the same to That Team Up North.
With eleven early enrollees as part of Ohio State's 2023 recruiting class taking part in spring practice, it's an exciting time for players, staff and fans alike as the early returns give a glimpse into how well high school success might translate to the elite collegiate level.
Of course optimism usually reigns supreme during spring so it can be hard to wade through the quotes and reports to draw any real conclusions.
That said, the harsh reality is that at school's like Ohio State, even as the latest class ranked No. 5 in the country, it's a tough putt for a true freshman to come in and carve out a huge role in year one. That doesn't mean it never happens - heck we saw it in 2021 as TreVeyon Henderson exploded on the scene with 1,248 rushing yards and 19 total touchdowns and Denzel Burke locked down a cornerback spot - but seasons like those are the exception to the rule.
More often, only a few newcomers will establish themselves in the offensive or defensive two-deep while special teams will see a handful evolve into regular contributors.
Blowouts provide game snaps for most though injuries to veterans can also change the equation like we saw with Dallan Hayden last year as he logged 94 snaps over the first nine games but then 120 over the final four contests as injuries claimed the seasons of co-starters Henderson and Miyan Williams.
Beyond Hayden, only six other true freshmen appeared in at least nine games last year with their contributions largely coming via special teams. Jayden Fielding handled kickoffs right out of the gate, with 40 touchbacks on 97 efforts. Defensive end Caden Curry had a few moments rushing the passer but his primary role was special teams. C.J. Hicks arrived as the nation's No. 7 prospect and No. 1 linebacker but only saw snaps on special teams. Safety Sonny Styles reclassified and was mostly a special teams guy before playing 12 snaps on defense against Georgia. Cornerback Jyaire Brown appeared in 10 games, seeing some time at cornerback primarily due to injuries. Kye Stokes, after showing out in the spring game, appeared in nine games, logging 83 snaps, with 32 of those coming versus Rutgers. No other true freshman appeared in more than five games.
Flipping back to the 2023 class vying for roles this fall, it feels right to start at receiver despite Ohio State returning Marvin Harrison Jr., Emeka Egbuka and Julian Fleming, among others. With Egbuka and Fleming on the sidelines for spring camp, offensive coordinator and receivers coach Brian Hartline is enjoying the extra snaps his newest additions are putting on film, namely Carnell Tate and Noah Rogers. Another elite 2023 prospect, Brandon Inniss, isn't yet in Columbus.
“I think the freshmen (wide receivers) as a whole have a seriousness about them, they have a purpose about them. They know their plays, they find ways to put good things on film. They have a high standard, so we got to work on not getting down on ourselves at times, because they do have a high expectation, which is good. But there's got to be a fine balance. But the whole group has done a great job, and Noah especially. He's done a great job.”
While Rogers drew praise in that particular media session, the list of true freshmen who might make an impact in year one at Ohio State appears to start with Tate.
The No. 59 prospect in 247's composite, Tate was the first true freshman to lose his black stripe this year and Hartline has raved about the IMG Academy product's ability to implement feedback, avoid repeat mistakes and take a veteran approach to his craft.
“I would say anytime a guy comes in and handles his business off the field – I think he has all straight A’s right now. He's never missed a workout, he's always on time, he's doing his job on the field. The combination of all that, it (removing his black stripe) was well-deserved.”
It seems likely Tate is headed for a spot in the two-deep, making him the favorite to have the biggest role on offense or defense among his true freshman peers.
Rogers has also certainly had his moments at wideout and many are anxiously awaiting to see what Inniss can do. Could he carve out a reserve role in the slot despite not being in Columbus for spring ball? That's impossible to predict now but Inniss was the No. 35 player in 247's composite for a reason.
Sticking on offense, it's hard to see any other true freshman establishing a legit role. Jelani Thurman could at least be a guy to watch at tight end but with Cade Stover the clear starter and elders Gee Scott Jr. and Joe Royer in the fold, it might take injury, a huge leap, and/or unique personnel groupings to get Thurman on the field in meaningful game situations.
On the defensive side of the ball, there's not a clear path to a two-deep spot for any true freshman. Of the early enrollees, cornerback Jermaine Mathews is the highest-rated prospect (No. 51) but guys like Denzel Burke, Jordan Hancock, Davison Igbinosun and Jyaire Brown boast game experience. Safety Malik Hartford is also in the fold but his position group is stacked. Cornerback Calvin Simpson-Hunt (No. 62) and defensive lineman Jason Moore (No. 67) arrive in the fall as top-100 guys but again, beyond starting from scratch themselves, those position groups feature guys already projected to handle 2023 duties.
That leaves a lot of hungry newcomers to battle for two-deep spots on special teams, like many of the true freshmen that came before them. Tate, Mathews, Rogers, Hartford and Thurman, among other new faces, have all seen time on special teams in camp but whether any can earn starting spots remains to be seen.
Transitioning from high school star to Ohio State freshman looks different for everyone but no matter the year one role, Day and company are counting on gradually impactful contributions from all members of the 2023 class.
