McLaurin to return to receiving corps

Terry McLaurin indicated via social media late Monday that he plans to return for his senior season at Ohio State, meaning the Buckeyes’ top three receivers will return.

He joins fourth-year junior Parris Campbell and third-year sophomore K.J. Hill in opting to play for another year in an Ohio State offense that will have a new starting quarterback for the first time in four years after the departure of J.T. Barrett.

“Thank you Lord for another opportunity,” McLaurin posted on his Instagram account with the hashtag “last1.”

Monday was the deadline for players with college eligibility remaining to declare for the NFL draft. Only three Buckeyes are known to have done so: fourth-year junior defensive end Sam Hubbard (who has already graduated), junior cornerback Denzel Ward and junior linebacker Jerome Baker.

Hill, the Buckeyes’ leading receiver with 56 catches (for 549 yards and three touchdowns); Campbell, No. 2 with 40 catches (584 yards, three TDs); and McLaurin, No. 3 with 29 catches (436 yards, six TDs), all were believed to have considered turning pro.

McLaurin and Campbell were co-captains in 2017, and Hill also was the primary punt returner. They return to an offense that will search for a starting quarterback.

Dwayne Haskins Jr. is considered the front-runner after he came off the bench to lead a comeback win at Michigan following a knee injury to Barrett. Joe Burrow, the backup in 2016, and Tate Martell, who redshirted as a freshman last season, are expected to contend.

Junior Johnnie Dixon also will return at receiver. He played his first full season in 2017, and though he made just 18 catches, eight were for touchdowns. Also returning are sophomores Austin Mack (24 catches, 343 yards, two TDs) and Binjimen Victor (23, 349, seven TDs), and thirdyear sophomore walk-on C.J. Saunders (17, 221, one TD).