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Projecting the Ceiling for OSU Freshmen in 2017

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With 12 returning starters on offense and defense combined, OSU’s roster for 2017 is loaded with experience and explosiveness on paper.

Mason Rudolph, Justice Hill and James Washington form a lethal big three on offense that proved to be unstoppable at times last season. And on defense, Chad Whitener and Jarrell Owens headline what should be a formidable front line that finished on a high note last season.

Regardless of how far the returning starters can propel the team in 2017, though, it seems every year there’s a newcomer that makes a bigger-than-expected impact at a position of need. Just a few seasons ago, it was James Washington who caught 28 passes for 456 yards as a freshman. Last season, it was Justice Hill running for over 1,000 yards and earning freshman All-American honors. So who might it be this season? I’ve got some ideas.

Let’s take a look at the ceiling of impact for each incoming freshmen.

Baron Odom, tight end: Odom was a late addition to the 2017 recruiting class after a late flip from long-time pledge Tyler Henderson to Baylor. As such, I don’t see Odom contributing — and he likely won’t be expected to. A former Rice commit, Odom will likely redshirt in 2017.

Tylan Wallace, wide receiver: Even with Tyron Johnson, James Washington, Jalen McCleskey and Chris Lacy, Wallace has a shot to make an impact in 2017. He’s a fast, shifty receiver who Gundy says is “tremendous in a phone booth.” I think his ceiling is a 25-catch season for ~400 yards — similar to what James Washington accomplished as a freshman.

Chuba Hubbard, running back: In any other scenario, Hubbard might be an auto-redshirt. But behind Justice Hill there’s no real quality depth that’s been developed outside Jeff Carr. I think Hubbard is due for a breakout season as a true freshman. He won’t have the same year Hill had (rushing for 1,000+ and earning All-American honors), but I think he’ll grab 600 rushing yards and be a threat as a pass-catcher out of the backfield.

Malcolm Rodriguez, safety: Rodriguez has a high ceiling, but I think he’ll remain on the floor as a redshirt in 2017 with the depth OSU has.

Thabo Mwaniki, safety: Mwaniki, too, is a highly talented player with big upside. But I’d be stunned if he plays in 2017.

Tre Sterling, safety: I won’t budge from this: any safety OSU signed is likely to redshirt. Maybe that changes depending on depth and injuries, but Sterling likely won’t play as a freshman.

Brayden Johnson, wide receiver: Given the depth at receiver, Johnson is a redshirt candidate.

Brock Martin, defensive end: Call me crazy, but I think Brock Martin sees the field as a freshman. He’s a wildly talented pass-rusher with good hands he developed as a wrestler, and uses his leverage to his advantage. I think he’ll earn some buzz in fall camp similar to what Justice Hill and James Washington have over the past few years.

Brendon Evers, defensive tackle: Just like Martin, I think the door is open for Evers to make an impact as a freshman. He’s built like a MACK truck and has the mindset needed to compete at the Division I level.

JD King, running back: I don’t mean to sound hot-takey, but King reminds me a lot of Ezekiel Elliott. He’s got a quick burst through the gaps, he’s a solid pass-blocker, and he’s a heckuva runner in the open field. If someone told me that King, not Hubbard, has more rushing yards as a freshman, I wouldn’t be shocked. I think he’s going to be a beast.

Brendan Vaughn, linebacker: Linebacker depth is almost always a concern, but this year might be the exception. Vaughn, an early enrollee, could be part of a rotation as a third man. But if he plays more than that, injuries will have a big role.

Kris McCune, safety: Of all the freshman safeties, I think I like McCune to contribute early the most. Like I said above, I think all safety signees will redshirt. But McCune is a freak athlete who could see the field and it wouldn’t surprise me.

Jelani Woods, quarterback: A battle for the backup position might be won by Taylor Cornelius, but Jelani Woods will have his shot, too. The 6-7 athlete will compete against Keondre Wudtee and John Kolar for the gig. But I think the plan is for him to redshirt next season.

Tracin Wallace, quarterback: After two brutal ACL tears, OSU has the luxury of redshirting Wallace and rehabbing his knees. He’ll do well as a scout-teamer in 2017.

LaMarcus Morton, cornerback: Morton was an early enrollee and could be an early contributor, given the lack of depth at cornerback.

Shamond Greenwood, wide receiver: For as good as Greenwood is, his best option will be redshirting and waiting to replace Marcel Ateman in 2018. 6-foot-4 receivers don’t grow on trees, and he’s in for a solid college career if he can stay healthy.

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