Ohio State Football: 5 potential breakout stars for 2017
By Phil Poling
Ohio State football is coming off one of the ugliest bowl game performances in recent memory, but these guys could help Buckeye fans move forward.
During Urban Meyer’s first five seasons at Ohio State, the Buckeyes have been the pinnacle of the Big Ten. Going along with their 61-6 record during that span, they claimed the first national championship of the College Football Playoff era in 2014. However, last year’s finish wasn’t as rewarding for Ohio State; Buckeye Nation’s hoping for a redeem-season in 2017.
Player turnover is inevitable in college football — and ultimately expected at places like Ohio State — because it means a plethora of Buckeyes are headed to the NFL. But when a number of those players leave, massive vacancies are left for the program to fill. Just in the last two NFL Drafts, the Buckeyes have had 19 players chosen, almost enough to field an entire offense and defense.
However, Meyer’s still donning the headset, senior quarterback J.T. Barrett is gunning for another Big Ten title and CFP appearance, Nick Bosa and Sam Hubbard project to anchor one of the best defensive lines in the country and, lest we forget, the Buckeyes are coming off an 11-win season.
So while there are obvious bright spots, a number of question marks are casting shadows over the Buckeyes in the young season. Who are some potential candidates to have a breakout year and get the Buckeyes back to the promised land?