Ohio State Buckeyes Spring Game Preview: Top Five Players to Watch

Nov 22, 2014; Columbus, OH, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes running back Jalin Marshall (17) celebrates after scoring against the Indiana Hoosiers at Ohio Stadium. Ohio State won the game 42-27. Mandatory Credit: Greg Bartram-USA TODAY Sports

2. Young Receivers Ready to Breakout

Ohio State lost leading receiver and Massillon, OH native Devin Smith to the NFL after he has 33 receptions for 931 yards and 12 touchdowns. He averaged 28.9 yards per catch and was the definition of a home run threat at receiver, but his absence opens the door to a pair of redshirt freshman ready to take advantage of their opportunity.

Terry McLaurin and Parris Campbell are both former four-star recruits who redshirted last year and after practicing with the team last year, should be ready to take the next step in their development and fight for playing time behind Michael Thomas, Jalin Marshall and Dontre Wilson.

Don’t expect them to play huge roles immediately this season, but look for steady progress throughout the season. If one or both make some plays in the spring game on Saturday they’ll head into fall camp with confidence and the chance to carve out a role in this offense and be on the receiving end of passes from whoever wins the quarterback competition.

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