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LGHL Unreasonable Expectations: Marvin Harrison Jr. will have the best wide receiving season in Ohio State history
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Unreasonable Expectations: Marvin Harrison Jr. will have the best wide receiving season in Ohio State history
Matt Tamanini via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Photo by Ben Jackson/Getty Images
Ignore the quarterback and offensive line questions, Marv is fully capable of this.
From now until preseason camp starts in August, Land-Grant Holy Land will be writing articles around a different theme every week. This week is all about our Unreasonable Expectations. You can catch up on all of the Theme Week content here and all of our Unreasonable Expectations here.
It’s a new week, and that means we have a new theme this week at Land-Grant Holy Land. And — as expected — some folks didn’t take too kindly to us writing about some of our biggest concerns last week, which is honestly why we started off with a more critical, negative theme. This week though, the pendulum is swinging in the opposite direction, and we are talking about some of our most unreasonable expectations for the Buckeyes.
Whether that means we discuss our unreasonable expectation that Ohio State wins every game this fall by 35 points or that Marvin Harrison Jr. wins the 2023 Heisman Trophy or that the Buckeyes land every five-star recruit that they bring to campus on an official visit or that J.T. Tuimoloau breaks OSU’s single-season sack record, we are getting into our most unhinged, fan-brain thoughts this week.
Of course, these things, by definition, are going to be highly unlikely to happen, but we are fans, that’s how things are supposed to work.
For me, my most unreasonable expectation this season is that Marvin Harrison Jr. will end the 2023 campaign as unquestionably having had the single greatest season by an Ohio State wide receiver in program history. Of course, there’s no accounting for potential injuries, but assuming we don’t have a repeat of what befell Jaxon Smith-Njigba last year, I think that this is well within the realm of possibility — well, perhaps not well within, otherwise it wouldn’t be an unreasonable expectation, but within nonetheless.
In 1995, Terry Glenn had 17 touchdown receptions. Two years later, David Boston had 14. Last season, Super Marv also had 14.
In 2021, JSN had 1,606. Both Boston and Glenn had seasons in the low 1,400s in the late ‘90s. Last year, Harrison had 1,263 (Emeka Egbuka had 1,151 in 2022 as well).
Also in 2021, Smith-Njigba had 95 receptions. Last season, Marv had 77, behind only JSN, behind only Parris Campbell (90) and Boston (85).
In those three categories, Marvin Harrison Jr. had a top-four statistical season in OSU history as a sophomore. So I do not think that it is unreasonable for him to exceed those as a junior. Now, what might be unreasonable is that last year he had a seasoned, second-year starting, two-time Heisman Trophy finalist quarterback throwing to him from behind a pretty solid offensive line. Those things will not be the same this year.
However, I do believe that Kyle McCord will end up being the start this year and will prove to be more than competent at quarterback. And, considering the history that the QB and WR have together, going back to their high school days at St. Joseph’s Prep in Philadelphia, I think that will likely mean that Marv will be McCord’s security blanket.
He is already, obviously, going to be the No. 1 target this season, and despite the fact that opposing defenses will undoubtedly be doing everything in their power to stop him, I don’t believe that there is anything that they can do to substantively slow him down — especially if he does play more in the slot like we saw during the spring.
As I wrote about multiple times last week, the offensive line is my biggest concern for the Buckeyes this season, so that very well could put a bit of a kink in my Marv-G.O.A.T. season prediction... but maybe not.
If McCord has less time to throw, not only could he look for his most trusted receiver more often, but perhaps that means games are a bit closer than OSU is used to, so Harrison will have to play longer than he might have otherwise. And, if he is getting a bit more run in the slot, maybe he can be used as a quick-hit receiver to get the ball out of McCord’s (or perhaps Devin Brown’s) hands.
I do expect the Buckeyes to run the ball more this season as well, given the depth of talent at the running back position, but I don’t think that will dramatically impact Marv’s numbers. With Egbuka, Julian Fleming, Xavier Johnson, and all of the incredibly talented true-freshman wide receivers in the room — not to mention a returning Cade Stover at tight end — there are going to be so many weapons for Ryan Day and new offensive coordinator Brian Hartline to play with that defenses won’t be able to focus on just one. And, in circumstances like that, the best of the bunch always benefits.
So, my unreasonable expectation is for Marvin Harrison Jr. to end the 2023 college football season not only in New York as a Heisman Trophy finalist, but also having had the greatest single season in Ohio State wide receiving history
Continue reading...
Matt Tamanini via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Photo by Ben Jackson/Getty Images
Ignore the quarterback and offensive line questions, Marv is fully capable of this.
From now until preseason camp starts in August, Land-Grant Holy Land will be writing articles around a different theme every week. This week is all about our Unreasonable Expectations. You can catch up on all of the Theme Week content here and all of our Unreasonable Expectations here.
It’s a new week, and that means we have a new theme this week at Land-Grant Holy Land. And — as expected — some folks didn’t take too kindly to us writing about some of our biggest concerns last week, which is honestly why we started off with a more critical, negative theme. This week though, the pendulum is swinging in the opposite direction, and we are talking about some of our most unreasonable expectations for the Buckeyes.
Whether that means we discuss our unreasonable expectation that Ohio State wins every game this fall by 35 points or that Marvin Harrison Jr. wins the 2023 Heisman Trophy or that the Buckeyes land every five-star recruit that they bring to campus on an official visit or that J.T. Tuimoloau breaks OSU’s single-season sack record, we are getting into our most unhinged, fan-brain thoughts this week.
Of course, these things, by definition, are going to be highly unlikely to happen, but we are fans, that’s how things are supposed to work.
For me, my most unreasonable expectation this season is that Marvin Harrison Jr. will end the 2023 campaign as unquestionably having had the single greatest season by an Ohio State wide receiver in program history. Of course, there’s no accounting for potential injuries, but assuming we don’t have a repeat of what befell Jaxon Smith-Njigba last year, I think that this is well within the realm of possibility — well, perhaps not well within, otherwise it wouldn’t be an unreasonable expectation, but within nonetheless.
In 1995, Terry Glenn had 17 touchdown receptions. Two years later, David Boston had 14. Last season, Super Marv also had 14.
In 2021, JSN had 1,606. Both Boston and Glenn had seasons in the low 1,400s in the late ‘90s. Last year, Harrison had 1,263 (Emeka Egbuka had 1,151 in 2022 as well).
Also in 2021, Smith-Njigba had 95 receptions. Last season, Marv had 77, behind only JSN, behind only Parris Campbell (90) and Boston (85).
In those three categories, Marvin Harrison Jr. had a top-four statistical season in OSU history as a sophomore. So I do not think that it is unreasonable for him to exceed those as a junior. Now, what might be unreasonable is that last year he had a seasoned, second-year starting, two-time Heisman Trophy finalist quarterback throwing to him from behind a pretty solid offensive line. Those things will not be the same this year.
However, I do believe that Kyle McCord will end up being the start this year and will prove to be more than competent at quarterback. And, considering the history that the QB and WR have together, going back to their high school days at St. Joseph’s Prep in Philadelphia, I think that will likely mean that Marv will be McCord’s security blanket.
He is already, obviously, going to be the No. 1 target this season, and despite the fact that opposing defenses will undoubtedly be doing everything in their power to stop him, I don’t believe that there is anything that they can do to substantively slow him down — especially if he does play more in the slot like we saw during the spring.
As I wrote about multiple times last week, the offensive line is my biggest concern for the Buckeyes this season, so that very well could put a bit of a kink in my Marv-G.O.A.T. season prediction... but maybe not.
If McCord has less time to throw, not only could he look for his most trusted receiver more often, but perhaps that means games are a bit closer than OSU is used to, so Harrison will have to play longer than he might have otherwise. And, if he is getting a bit more run in the slot, maybe he can be used as a quick-hit receiver to get the ball out of McCord’s (or perhaps Devin Brown’s) hands.
I do expect the Buckeyes to run the ball more this season as well, given the depth of talent at the running back position, but I don’t think that will dramatically impact Marv’s numbers. With Egbuka, Julian Fleming, Xavier Johnson, and all of the incredibly talented true-freshman wide receivers in the room — not to mention a returning Cade Stover at tight end — there are going to be so many weapons for Ryan Day and new offensive coordinator Brian Hartline to play with that defenses won’t be able to focus on just one. And, in circumstances like that, the best of the bunch always benefits.
So, my unreasonable expectation is for Marvin Harrison Jr. to end the 2023 college football season not only in New York as a Heisman Trophy finalist, but also having had the greatest single season in Ohio State wide receiving history
Continue reading...
LGHL Five-star Michigan QB visits Ohio State, Buckeye commits show out at UA Next Camp
- News
- 0 Replies
Five-star Michigan QB visits Ohio State, Buckeye commits show out at UA Next Camp
Gene Ross via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Five-star 2025 QB Bryce Underwood | Andrew Ivins, 247Sports
Six of Ohio State’s 2024 commits attended the event.
Spring practices may be over, but that doesn’t mean there wasn’t any football activity going on this past weekend in Ohio. A handful of future Buckeyes got an opportunity to compete against some premier talents in the 2024 class, as six current Ohio State commits took part in the Under Armour Next camp at Fortress Obetz. In addition, a big name in the 2025 cycle took the opportunity to check out Columbus.
It was only about a month ago that Ryan Day found his 2024 quarterback with the commitment of four-star QB Air Noland. There may be some questions about the Ohio State head coach when it comes to game preparation and play-calling, but the one thing that people can’t doubt Day on is his ability to recruit and develop the quarterback position. As such, the process of finding the next big Buckeye QB is already in the works.
With the Under Armour camp taking place not too far away, 2025 five-star quarterback Bryce Underwood took the chance to make the short trip down the road and check out Ohio State's campus.
Underwood, a Michigan native, is the No. 1 quarterback and No. 3 overall prospect in the 2025 class, according to the 247Sports Composite. The Buckeyes offered the 6-foot-2 back in December, while Underwood was putting together a ridiculous freshman campaign that saw him throw for nearly 3,000 yards with 39 touchdowns and just four interceptions. Earning MaxPreps Freshman of the Year for his efforts, Underwood helped lead Belleville to a 13-1 record and the Michigan DI state championship.
It is obviously going to be a huge nationwide battle for a player of Underwood’s caliber, with 35-plus offers already under his belt, but it appears this could be another massive showdown between Ohio State and Michigan off the field, as both programs are heavily courting the young QB. There is still way too much time left in this recruitment to get a feel either way, but here is just a little bit of the type of player these schools are after, per 247Sports national recruiting analyst Allen Trieu:
In addition to the positive news of Underwood’s visit, some future Ohio State players also made some headlines on the field themselves with some impressive performances in the Under Armour Next camp. Six OSU commits in total participated in the event, in addition to several other targets in both the 2024 and 2025 classes — two of which took home individual awards among their position group.
Five-star WR Mylan Graham earned wide receiver MVP honors, and also earned himself a spot in the 2024 Under Armour All-American Game with his strong showing. Graham, the No. 4 wideout and No. 19 player overall in 2024, will be making opposing DBs look silly like this in Columbus soon enough.
The other big standout on the day was Sam Williams-Dixon, who was named one of the MVPs at running back. Williams-Dixon really impressed during the pass-catching portion of the camp, winning a bunch of one-on-one drills down the field. Just a three-star recruit, the Pickerington North product is showing why Ohio State pulled the trigger on him when they did. Of note, Williams-Dixon out-performed fellow Ohio native Jordan Marshall, who is committed to Michigan.
Elsewhere, Garrett Stover showed off his coverage skills at linebacker in one-on-one drills, even intercepting a pass intended for the aforementioned Marshall at one point. Underwood looked every bit like the nation’s No. 1 QB that he is currently ranked, as both he and fellow 2025 Ohio State quarterback target Ryan Montgomery — the only two QBs in the cycle in Buckeye offers — were selected as MVPs at their position. The duo earned invitations to Under Armour‘s Future 50 camp with their performances.
Continue reading...
Gene Ross via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Five-star 2025 QB Bryce Underwood | Andrew Ivins, 247Sports
Six of Ohio State’s 2024 commits attended the event.
Spring practices may be over, but that doesn’t mean there wasn’t any football activity going on this past weekend in Ohio. A handful of future Buckeyes got an opportunity to compete against some premier talents in the 2024 class, as six current Ohio State commits took part in the Under Armour Next camp at Fortress Obetz. In addition, a big name in the 2025 cycle took the opportunity to check out Columbus.
Underwood visits Ohio State
It was only about a month ago that Ryan Day found his 2024 quarterback with the commitment of four-star QB Air Noland. There may be some questions about the Ohio State head coach when it comes to game preparation and play-calling, but the one thing that people can’t doubt Day on is his ability to recruit and develop the quarterback position. As such, the process of finding the next big Buckeye QB is already in the works.
With the Under Armour camp taking place not too far away, 2025 five-star quarterback Bryce Underwood took the chance to make the short trip down the road and check out Ohio State's campus.
Underwood, a Michigan native, is the No. 1 quarterback and No. 3 overall prospect in the 2025 class, according to the 247Sports Composite. The Buckeyes offered the 6-foot-2 back in December, while Underwood was putting together a ridiculous freshman campaign that saw him throw for nearly 3,000 yards with 39 touchdowns and just four interceptions. Earning MaxPreps Freshman of the Year for his efforts, Underwood helped lead Belleville to a 13-1 record and the Michigan DI state championship.
It is obviously going to be a huge nationwide battle for a player of Underwood’s caliber, with 35-plus offers already under his belt, but it appears this could be another massive showdown between Ohio State and Michigan off the field, as both programs are heavily courting the young QB. There is still way too much time left in this recruitment to get a feel either way, but here is just a little bit of the type of player these schools are after, per 247Sports national recruiting analyst Allen Trieu:
Future Buckeyes with strong presence at UA camp
In addition to the positive news of Underwood’s visit, some future Ohio State players also made some headlines on the field themselves with some impressive performances in the Under Armour Next camp. Six OSU commits in total participated in the event, in addition to several other targets in both the 2024 and 2025 classes — two of which took home individual awards among their position group.
Five-star WR Mylan Graham earned wide receiver MVP honors, and also earned himself a spot in the 2024 Under Armour All-American Game with his strong showing. Graham, the No. 4 wideout and No. 19 player overall in 2024, will be making opposing DBs look silly like this in Columbus soon enough.
The other big standout on the day was Sam Williams-Dixon, who was named one of the MVPs at running back. Williams-Dixon really impressed during the pass-catching portion of the camp, winning a bunch of one-on-one drills down the field. Just a three-star recruit, the Pickerington North product is showing why Ohio State pulled the trigger on him when they did. Of note, Williams-Dixon out-performed fellow Ohio native Jordan Marshall, who is committed to Michigan.
Elsewhere, Garrett Stover showed off his coverage skills at linebacker in one-on-one drills, even intercepting a pass intended for the aforementioned Marshall at one point. Underwood looked every bit like the nation’s No. 1 QB that he is currently ranked, as both he and fellow 2025 Ohio State quarterback target Ryan Montgomery — the only two QBs in the cycle in Buckeye offers — were selected as MVPs at their position. The duo earned invitations to Under Armour‘s Future 50 camp with their performances.
Quick Hits
- There’s a reason people are so enamored by the potential of five-star Ohio State commit Jeremiah Smith. Taking home the gold in the 110M hurdles in the Class 1A-4 Regionals, Smith makes it look way too smooth and easy for a guy who stands at 6-foot-3, 198 pounds. The nation’s No. 1 WR and No. 2 overall player in 2024, it’s no secret why he’s being compared to guys like Julio Jones and Calvin Johnson coming out of high school...
REGIONALS: CLASS 1A-4
— New Era Prep (@EraPrep) May 6, 2023
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2026 NC ATH Kendre Harrison (Verbal Offer)
- By pnuts34
- Football Recruiting
- 9 Replies
