The Ohio State football program consistently churns out top-tier talent annually, even when they fall short in the College Football Playoff. Despite any setbacks, their players often get drafted thanks to their collegiate performance, a key factor that catches the attention of NFL scouts. Simply put, players who don’t perform well in college rarely get drafted.
Now, there are some players on the Ohio State team who are poised to potentially take on starting roles this season. However, thus far, they haven’t made significant contributions to the team. They’re reaching a critical juncture where they must step up and deliver, or risk never fulfilling their potential.
For these three individuals, it’s imperative that they demonstrate their capabilities this year. Failure to do so could mark their Ohio State football careers as disappointments. Despite their high school accolades and expectations of early starting positions, they need to prove themselves on the field. The first player mentioned previously held a starting position on the offensive line last season but performed below expectations compared to his fellow linemen.
1. Josh Fryar
Last season, the offensive line emerged as the team’s weakest link, with the right tackle consistently struggling in most matchups. Particularly evident in the Michigan game, he proved to be the least effective lineman for the Buckeyes.
Heading into this year, there were doubts about Fryar’s suitability for his position on the offensive line. Many felt he should be replaced, either by Luke Montgomery or by recruiting someone from the transfer portal. The ability of quarterback Will Howard to find time in the pocket was hindered by Fryar’s performance last year.
Despite concerns, Coach Ryan Day has expressed confidence in Fryar, even going as far as labeling him as one of the most improved players during the offseason. However, the Spring Game didn’t provide much reassurance; while Fryar wasn’t as problematic as Carson Hinzman, his performance fell short of expectations. It’s imperative for him to elevate his game significantly when the real matches begin.
Fryar’s performance in the early games of the season will be critical. If he fails to demonstrate improvement, he could find himself on the bench sooner rather than later. With just three games to prove himself to the coaching staff, Fryar must show marked improvement to avoid being benched before the Big Ten schedule commences. The Buckeyes can’t afford to have another subpar offensive line performance.
The next player under scrutiny unexpectedly started in the Spring Game.
2. Jayden Ballard
A notable revelation from the Spring Game was the inclusion of Jayden Ballard as the starting slot receiver, a surprising choice given his limited production thus far. With just 9 receptions for 159 yards and a single touchdown over three years at Ohio State, Ballard’s statistics hardly suggest he’s earned such a prominent role in the offense.
It’s possible that Coach Day is favoring Ballard due to his seniority, despite his lackluster on-field performance. Aside from a standout game in 2022 against Toledo, where he tallied 113 yards and a touchdown on 4 catches, Ballard hasn’t demonstrated consistent impact.
Comparatively, starting Ballard over more promising talents like Brandon Inniss, Jeremiah Smith, and Mylan Graham seems perplexing. While these receivers may lack significant on-field experience, their potential and skill level arguably surpass Ballard’s.
Day faces a crucial decision in determining who will fill the third receiver spot. Ballard’s failure to make a significant impact in the past three seasons raises questions about his ability to contribute now. If he couldn’t crack the rotation in previous years, despite Ohio State’s strong receiver corps, it begs the question of his readiness now.
I’m skeptical about Ballard’s potential for substantial production this season. It’s plausible that he could be overtaken on the depth chart by Inniss or Smith, or perhaps both, especially considering their dynamic abilities. The competition is fierce, and Ballard may struggle to maintain his starting position if he doesn’t show significant improvement.
The last player on this list is regarded as the most highly recruited of the group.
3. C.J. Hicks
The arrival of C.J. Hicks as a five-star recruit in the 2022 class ignited significant enthusiasm among Ohio State football fans, particularly due to the anticipation of his impact on a linebacker corps that had struggled in recent years. Despite his considerable talent, Hicks has yet to translate it into significant on-field production.
With just 14 tackles primarily on special teams over two years, Hicks found himself behind Steele Chambers and Tommy Eichenberg, both formidable players, in the depth chart during his first two seasons. However, with their departure, Hicks now has a chance to compete for a starting role alongside Cody Simon and Sonny Styles.
Despite his limited playing time, Hicks still possesses considerable potential. This season represents a pivotal moment for him to demonstrate his abilities on the field. The pressure is on for Hicks to deliver, and I anticipate that he will rise to the occasion.
However, if Hicks fails to make a significant impact, he risks being labeled as one of Ohio State’s most disappointing recruits in recent memory. Four years of underwhelming performance from a former five-star prospect would indeed be a letdown.
Yet, my expectation is that Hicks will excel this season and beyond. Among the three individuals mentioned, I anticipate him to have the most impressive performance this year.
