Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports On the road in a prime-time game against Michigan State last year, Ohio State was on the ropes and in need of a big play when Michael Thomas stepped up. The Spartans had just blown an opportunity to take a two-score lead late in the second quarter, setting the Buckeyes up at their own 21-yard line. On the first play of the ensuing drive, Thomas faked an outside go-route before darting inside for a quick slant. J.T. Barrett hit him with a perfectly placed pass, and Thomas shrugged off a would-be tackler and raced 79 yards for the game-tying score. That was the kind of play Thomas made as the Buckeyes’ No. 2 option at wide receiver last year, serving as an excellent counterpunch to the quick-striking Devin Smith. This fall, though, the rising redshirt junior is primed to not only become the Buckeyes’ top pass-catcher, but also emerge as one of the nation’s best wideouts. Thomas had an outstanding sophomore campaign—catching 54 passes for 799 yards and nine touchdowns. But as the nephew of legendary receiver Keyshawn Johnson, the expectations for greatness are there. Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports Michael Thomas is hoping to run away from a lot of defenses this year. “I think Mike’s doing well,” Johnson told Ari Wasserman of The Plain Dealer last October. “He’s just scratching the surface. He has to keep doing everything the coaches are asking him to do, continue to keep getting better each week. I think eventually, at some point in time, he’ll come into his own, but Mike’s still learning how to play.” It took a while for Thomas to get there. After a surprising performance in the 2012 spring game when he caught 12 passes for 131 yards, many thought he would contribute as a freshman in Urban Meyer’s wide-open system. …
Continue Reading: Ohio State Football: How High Is Michael Thomas' Ceiling as Buckeyes No. 1 WR?
