Buckeyes welcome six early enrollees from the 2019 class
Ohio State has COLUMBUS — officially started its winter workout program, in which 105 players will take part in either conditioning drills or rehabilitation exercises.
For seven players it will mark their first official offseason as Buckeyes.
Ohio State welcomed six players from its 15-man 2019 recruiting class — ranked 13th in the country and third in the Big Ten — who enrolled into the spring semester, along with quarterback transfer Justin Fields from Georgia.
Enrolling early gives them the opportunity to get a head start on their college careers and possibly see the field next season.
Here are the six new freshmen at Ohio State and what their role may have in 2019:
Marcus Crowley, running back
Crowley was rated as a three-star prospect and is the only incoming running back. It’s doubtful he sees the field in 2019 with J.K. Dobbins getting the bulk of the carries. Expect the Buckeyes to use DeMario McCall as Dobbins’ backup and as a possible third-down back.
Zach Harrison, defensive end
Harrison was one of the last players to commit, but he provided a huge win for Ryan Day. The Ohio native grew up 15 minutes away from campus and joins a defensive unit that’s built an illustrious reputation under Larry Johnson.
Harrison was a five-star recruit ranked as the sixthbest player in the country. While there is a possibility that he sees the field in 2019, it won’t be until 2020 that he assumes a vital role. He’ll have Chase Young, Tyreke Smith and Jonathan Cooper in front of him this season.
Ronnie Hickman, safety
After the struggles the defense had last season, Ryan Day’s decision was easy, revamp the defensive staff and start anew. Larry Johnson is the only defensive coach who returns, and there could be as few as four or five players who retain their starting jobs. The safety position seems secure with Jordan Fuller and Brendon White, but that doesn’t mean the four-star New Jersey native won’t make the rotation.
Ryan Jacoby, offensive line
The loss of Michael Jordan to the NFL Draft subtracts from an already depleted offensive line. Jacoby — rated a four-star prospect from Mentor High School — could see the field in 2019 just based on necessity. Especially if there are any injuries.
Noah Potter, defensive end
Potter is the second Ohio State commit from Mentor High School, but unlike Jacoby his chances of seeing the field in 2019 are slim. The four-star recruit will compete with returning defensive ends and with fellow early enrollee Harrison.
Garrett Wilson, wide receiver
Wilson comes to Columbus as a five-star recruit out of Texas — where he attended the same high school as current Cleveland Browns QB Baker Mayfield — and he has the highest chance of making an impact right away.
The Buckeyes lost three of their top four receivers from last season. Not only is Wilson talented enough to earn playing time, Ohio State will need his production plus breakout years from Chris Olave, Binjimen Victor and Austin Mack.