Ohio State’s roster counts more than a dozen receivers who were at least at one time highly regarded recruits, and strength in numbers has turned out to be vital for the Buckeyes this season. Starting with a season-opener that saw three receivers suspended and continuing with a variety of injuries, Ohio State has never had all of its talent available. That will continue to be the case this week as the Buckeyes prepare to take on Illinois. Coach Urban Meyer ran down the list of who is in and who is out this week, beginning with former quarterback Braxton Miller. Miller left the Buckeyes’ win over Minnesota after being slammed to the turf at the end of a long catch, and Meyer said he was expected to be able to practice this week despite a sore neck. Junior Dontre Wilson is still sidelined after having an additional procedure on a foot he injured initially last year, and redshirt freshman Parris Campbell remains out with an undisclosed injury but could be back soon. Johnnie Dixon, another player who was hoped to be able to play a large role but has been unable to put knee issues behind him, is also working to come back from an additional recent procedure according to receivers coach Zach Smith on Monday. With Corey Smith and Noah Brown suffering season-ending broken legs, Ohio State has had its depth tested. Mike Thomas, Jalin Marshall, Curtis Samuel and Miller have been leaned on heavily throughout the season but could use a couple of the injured players coming back to spell them from time to time down the final stretch of the regular season. Sophomore James Clark and freshman Terry McLaurin have made it onto the depth chart but not managed to make an impact for the offense, though Meyer mentioned senior Jeff Greene, a transfer from Georgia Tech, has impressed him lately. Freshmen K.J. Hill and Alex Stump, both Scout.com four-star recruits signed last winter, are redshirting. (H/T BuckeyeSports.com)
Continue Reading: Buckeyes still banged up at wide receiver
