Cont - Offensive skill positions
Let's start with what we know. J.K. Dobbins is the clear starter at running back, and figures to get a million snaps. While it's unclear what the running game will look like, he figures to be a big part of whatever it is. Mike weber is gone and the running back depth is pretty scant. Demario McCall moves from purgatory receiver to second string tailback, and while he has looked like a playmaker at times, he's rarely been on the field. Master Teague and Marcus Crowley are youngsters who are available.
Similarly, at receiver, KJ Hill is a lock to see a lot of snaps. He's the lone returnee of their top four options from last year, and he is excellent in the slot or H-Back situations that get him crossed up with a linebacker or safety. After him gets a bit mysterious. OSU would like a rotation of six receivers. There are lots (and lots) of options here.
- Austin Mack would be a lock, but he was injured for half of last season and is banged up now
- Bin Victor is a senior and has been around for a while, but never really been the playmaker he was projected to be
- Chris Olave - came on late as a freshman for the injured Mack, and made an announcement with two touchdowns against Michigan
- Jaylen Harris - Big bodied type who has been stuck on the depth chart but now has an opening
- CJ Saunders - former walk-on who earned playing time last year in the crowded WR field
- Garrett Wilson - True frosh super recruit who is hgihly rated mostly on how polished a receiver he is right now
- Jaelen Gill - Redshirt frosh who observers call the best playmaker on the team
Also, Elijah Gardner and true frosh Jameson Williams are getting mentioned, too. Kamryn Babb is currently injured. It's tough to say what the receivers will look like. KJ Hill and a healthy Austin Mack will get plenty of run, but all of the guys mentioned above could get substantial playing time.
And btw, OSU also has tight ends. They weren't a huge part of the offense last year, though some conjecture that could change a bit this year. In any event, Luke Farrell returns as the steadiest tight end, though Jeremy Rucket and Rashod Berry are the more athletic ones and may line up more as receivers. Jake Hausmann also returns, though he has struggled with injuries.