Andrew Mills | NJ Advance Media
Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jaelen Gill (26) breaks numerous tackles by Rutgers defenders en route to a 32 – yard touchdown reception during the fourth quarter on Saturday, November 16, 2019 in Piscataway. Ohio State won, 56 –
COLUMBUS, Ohio –Chris Olavewent into last year installment ofThe Gameas a promising piece of Ohio State football’s future.
By the end of that 62 – 39 Buckeyes victory – after the first two touchdown receptions of his career and a blocked punt – Olave commanded a piece of the present with a lasting place in the rivalry’s lore.
Could another young Ohio State player step up from relative anonymity with a starring role in Saturday’s continuation of the series?
Here are four prime candidates. For reference, players such as Zach Harrison, Garrett Wilson, Jeremy Ruckert and Sevyn Banks were not considered due to their extensive playing time already.
Jameson Williams, wide receiver:Who better to pick up where Olave left off than another speedy receiver? The trick for Williams will be rolling in enough to see significant snaps. However, he has clearly demonstrated what he can do in space if the ball finds his hands. He also serves as a gunner on kickoff returns.
Javontae Jean-Baptiste, defensive end:We don’t know yet if OSU will choose Saturday to burn the final game of Jonathon Cooper’s pending redshirt eligibility. Jean-Baptiste has been quietly productive as a reserve, totaling 14 tackles and 1.5 sacks in 11 games. With his length he can be a force without reaching the quarterback, by tipping passes or tripping up ballcarriers in the backfield.
Jaelen Gill, H-back:The redshirt freshman’s 32 – yard touchdown catch against Rutgers accounts for nearly his entire season’s worth of production. He may be the future answer in the slot after K.J. Hill moves on. As we’ve seen before, those players sometimes declare their arrival in these spotlight moments.
Teradja Mitchell, linebacker:If cornerback Shaun Wade cannot play (or, perhaps even if he can, depending on his condition) someone will take his place on special teams. Mitchell has 12 tackles in seven games. If Michigan overcompensates to account for Olave or others coming off the edge in punt block scenarios, perhaps Mitchell can take advantage coming through the interior.
Get Buckeyes Insider texts in your phone from Doug Lesmerises:Cut through the clutter of social media and communicate directly with the award-winning OSU football reporter, just like you would with your friends. It’s just $ 3. 99 a month, which works out to about 13 cents a day.Learn more and sign up here.
More OSU coverage
The OSU-Michigan rivalry: Transfusing passion from Buckeyes fans to coaches and players new to it
Ohio State fans recall shocking 1969 loss at Michigan: ‘One of the worst days of my life
9 things you might not know about the 1969 game and college football 50 years ago
Ohio State vs. Michigan 1969: Read the story from the loss that broke Buckeyes’ hearts
What are the chances the Wolverines could win? Buckeye Talk Podcast
Ohio State-Michigan: Five questions on Jim Harbaugh, Shea Patterson and the Wolverines
Who are the key matchups for OSU against Michigan?
Why Saturday’s game against Michigan ‘is very serious’ to Al Washington and Greg Mattison
Is Ohio State vs. Michigan rivalry diminished by the College Football Playoff?
Who are some of the recruits Ohio State is battling for with Michigan?
Ohio State-Michigan betting line history
Michigan QB Shea Patterson seeking to complete perfect career home record
Cameron Martinez, 3-star OSU commit, named Michigan Player of the Year for 2nd straight season
GIPHY App Key not set. Please check settings