A solid start for Ohio State’s freshmen
Buckeyes have one instant star, but others from class making impact.
The Buckeyes have one instant staron theirhands but others fromthe class aremaking their own impacts.
It’s not easy to fifind COLUMBUS — playing time as a true freshman for the Ohio State Buckeyes, even if you’re part of the second-ranked recruiting class inthe nation and one of the best classes in school history.
“This could go down as one of the great classes,” coach Urban Meyer said in February on National Signing Day.
Eight months later, the class has produced one instant star, a number
of early contributors and a fewplayers who won’t get their chance until future seasons. Here’s a rundown of how the freshmen have fared:
Starter: Running back J.K. Dobbins, one of nine freshmen to enroll at Ohio State in January, leads this group. Returning starter Mike Weber’ s preseason hamstring injury opened
the door for him to start the opener at Indiana, and he took advantage. Through fifive games, he ranks third in the Big Ten in rushing (573 yards).
Backups: Wide receiver Jaylen Harris has appeared in two games and has two catches for 27 yards.
Wide receiver Trevon Grimes has made two appearances. He has three catches for 20 yards.
Right tackle Thayer Munford, who backs up Isaiah Prince, has appeared in the last three games.
■ Cornerback Jeffrey Okudah, who plays behind Denzel Ward, has earned snaps on defense and special teams in all fifive games, recording three tackles.
■Corner back Marcus Williamson has appeared in the last two games.
■ Linebacker Baron Browning has appeared in three games and has seven tackles. He’s playing on special teams, as well.
■ Safety Isaiah Pryor, DamonWebb’s backup, had four tackles, including a sack, againstUNLV. Healsoearned praise from Meyer for his effort on special teams in that game.
■ Safety Brendon White has appeared in the last two games.
■ Defensive end Chase Young has appeared in four games and earned a champion grade in a 56-0 victory Saturday at Rutgers.
■ Defensive tackleHaskell Garrett has appeared in four games. He has two tackles. Special teams contributors: Linebacker Pete Werner was named special teams player of theweekforhis performance Saturday against Rutgers. Meyer called him one of the most improved players on the teamin recent weeks.
“Buy stock in that guy for his career,” Meyer said.“He’s got some good stuff going right now.”
■ Cornerback Amir Riep leads the team wit hf if if if if if ive tackle son special teams.
■ Blake Haubeil handled kickoffff duties in the fifirst fifififififive games but Meyer saidMonday he will switch to Sean Nuernberger.
“We were not good at that position,” Meyer said.
Have not played: Fourthstring quarterback TateMartell was one of eight freshmen on the travel roster for the Rutgers game, but he has not earned a snap this season. Amongtheother players who maybe headed for a red shirt year are: left guard Josh Myers, a Miamisburg High School graduate; right guard Wyatt Davis; wide receiver Ellijah Gardiner; defensive lineman Jerron Cage; and cornerback Shaun Wade.