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Ohio State Football: 5 breakout freshmen to watch in 2018

By Patrick Mayhorn

ARLINGTON, TX - DECEMBER 29: The Ohio State Buckeyes celebrate with a team photo following the 82nd Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic between USC and Ohio State at AT&T Stadium on December 29, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. Ohio State won 24-7. (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TX - DECEMBER 29: The Ohio State Buckeyes celebrate with a team photo following the 82nd Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic between USC and Ohio State at AT&T Stadium on December 29, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. Ohio State won 24-7. (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images) /
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COLUMBUS, OH – APRIL 18: A host of Ohio State Buckeyes from the Scarlet team gang tackle Curtis Samuel #4 of the Ohio State Buckeyes Gray team in the first half during the annual Ohio State Spring Game at Ohio Stadium on April 18, 2015 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images)
COLUMBUS, OH – APRIL 18: A host of Ohio State Buckeyes from the Scarlet team gang tackle Curtis Samuel #4 of the Ohio State Buckeyes Gray team in the first half during the annual Ohio State Spring Game at Ohio Stadium on April 18, 2015 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images) /

1. Tyreke Johnson

The most likely freshman on Ohio State’s team to breakout and see playing time in 2018 is far and away Tyreke Johnson. This is the case for a number of reasons, but mainly because he’s the perfect combination of circumstance and talent. Tyreke, a defensive back who will see his first playing time at cornerback in Columbus, was one of the best players in the class.

Ranked 21st nationally, the Florida product has an extremely rare combination of athleticism and skill. On top of his natural ability, he checks every box for a first year contributor under Meyer. Firstly, like those who came before him, he’s a transcendent defensive talent. There’s nothing he does badly, from tackling to coverage, both in man or zone, Johnson is perfectly capable.

Pair that with the fact that Ohio State loses safety Damon Webb and cornerback Denzel Ward, it’s not hard to see why Johnson will see the field. Whether it’s at safety or corner, Johnson’s talent, and the lack of security in the defensive backfield make him an easy pick for most likely breakout freshman at Ohio State.

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All of this can be said before touching on the fact that Tyreke is already on campus. He enrolled back in January, and lit up spring practice, including a solid performance in Ohio State’s spring game. Kendall Sheffied, Jeffrey Okudah and Shaun Wade will get the first shots at starting across from Damon Arnette. However, Tyreke will certainly find playing time this season, whether it’s at safety, nickel, or corner.

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