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Emeka Egbuka enters final season looking to solidify himself as one of the best receivers in the country
justingolba via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Luther Burden is the top receiver in the country, but there is a real case that Egbuka is No. 2 entering this year.
Every day from now until the start of the season, Land-Grant Holy Land is highlighting Ohio State football players that you should be watching this season. Check out all of our ”Player to Watch” articles to get ready for the season opener against Akron.
It feels weird to say, but coming into the 2024 season, I think people are underrating Emeka Egbuka — and that feels like a mistake.
People are talking about Egbuka, but he is legitimately one of the best receivers in the country, and has a chance to be the best. Coming into the season, with the losses of Marvin Harrison, Rome Odunze, and Malik Nabers to the NFL, there is open spots for the top receiver in the country.
To no one’s surprise, Egbuka has been named to the 2024 Biletnikoff watch list. Luther Burden at Missouri is the favorite for the Biletnikoff. However, there is a group of four to five receivers in the next tier, and Egbuka is on that list with Tetairoa McMillan of Arizona, Tez Johnson of Oregon, Tre Harris of Ole Miss, Isaiah Bond of Texas and Xavier Restrepo of Miami.
Egbuka has had a stellar career at Ohio State over three seasons, catching 124 passes for 1,857 yards and 14 touchdowns and adding 16 carries for 112 yards and two touchdowns. Not to mention, he has been one of the best kick returners in the conference in his time as a return specialist.
His best season came in 2022, when he recorded 74 catches for 1,151 yards and 10 touchdowns in 13 games. Last season, he only played in 10 games and was injured, as he only recorded 41 catches for 515 and four touchdowns.
Now, with Marvin Harrison Jr. moving on to the NFL and the Arizona Cardinals, Egbuka is the top target on the Buckeyes, and he is fully healthy and ready to go in week one. The only question for Egbuka this season will be his chances for productivity.
Along with Egbuka, the Buckeyes have Jeremiah Smith, Carnell Tate, and Brandon Inniss all ready to have productive seasons, which could reduce his opportunities. Plus, the Buckeyes have the best running-back duo in the country, with Quinshon Judkins and TreVeyon Henderson expected to carry a heavy load of the offense. Incoming transfer quarterback and expected starter Will Howard is also a capable football runner.
However, Egbuka recognizes how a strong running game and two-dimensional offense can open up more opportunities for him and the other receivers.
“A run-first offense opens up big lanes for the passes,” Egbuka said. “It’s less about who gets the touches and more about how we can capitalize on the opportunities we are given. We have the best backfield in the entire nation and have the best receiver unit in the nation. We are kind of jack of all trades.”
He also gave high praise to Howard and how he has played at camp and practice thus far.
“He’s kind of like a field general out there,” Egbuka said about the transfer QB. “He has tremendous confidence in his ability, so that bleeds out into the entire offense, and we’re able to play fast.”
Now, Egbuka is entering his final season as a Buckeye, and as a graduate student, and like many of the other Buckeyes who came back for one more season, he is ready to cement his legacy in Columbus — and to remind everyone exactly who he is.
Continue reading...
justingolba via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Luther Burden is the top receiver in the country, but there is a real case that Egbuka is No. 2 entering this year.
Every day from now until the start of the season, Land-Grant Holy Land is highlighting Ohio State football players that you should be watching this season. Check out all of our ”Player to Watch” articles to get ready for the season opener against Akron.
It feels weird to say, but coming into the 2024 season, I think people are underrating Emeka Egbuka — and that feels like a mistake.
People are talking about Egbuka, but he is legitimately one of the best receivers in the country, and has a chance to be the best. Coming into the season, with the losses of Marvin Harrison, Rome Odunze, and Malik Nabers to the NFL, there is open spots for the top receiver in the country.
To no one’s surprise, Egbuka has been named to the 2024 Biletnikoff watch list. Luther Burden at Missouri is the favorite for the Biletnikoff. However, there is a group of four to five receivers in the next tier, and Egbuka is on that list with Tetairoa McMillan of Arizona, Tez Johnson of Oregon, Tre Harris of Ole Miss, Isaiah Bond of Texas and Xavier Restrepo of Miami.
Egbuka has had a stellar career at Ohio State over three seasons, catching 124 passes for 1,857 yards and 14 touchdowns and adding 16 carries for 112 yards and two touchdowns. Not to mention, he has been one of the best kick returners in the conference in his time as a return specialist.
His best season came in 2022, when he recorded 74 catches for 1,151 yards and 10 touchdowns in 13 games. Last season, he only played in 10 games and was injured, as he only recorded 41 catches for 515 and four touchdowns.
Now, with Marvin Harrison Jr. moving on to the NFL and the Arizona Cardinals, Egbuka is the top target on the Buckeyes, and he is fully healthy and ready to go in week one. The only question for Egbuka this season will be his chances for productivity.
Along with Egbuka, the Buckeyes have Jeremiah Smith, Carnell Tate, and Brandon Inniss all ready to have productive seasons, which could reduce his opportunities. Plus, the Buckeyes have the best running-back duo in the country, with Quinshon Judkins and TreVeyon Henderson expected to carry a heavy load of the offense. Incoming transfer quarterback and expected starter Will Howard is also a capable football runner.
However, Egbuka recognizes how a strong running game and two-dimensional offense can open up more opportunities for him and the other receivers.
“A run-first offense opens up big lanes for the passes,” Egbuka said. “It’s less about who gets the touches and more about how we can capitalize on the opportunities we are given. We have the best backfield in the entire nation and have the best receiver unit in the nation. We are kind of jack of all trades.”
He also gave high praise to Howard and how he has played at camp and practice thus far.
“He’s kind of like a field general out there,” Egbuka said about the transfer QB. “He has tremendous confidence in his ability, so that bleeds out into the entire offense, and we’re able to play fast.”
Now, Egbuka is entering his final season as a Buckeye, and as a graduate student, and like many of the other Buckeyes who came back for one more season, he is ready to cement his legacy in Columbus — and to remind everyone exactly who he is.
Continue reading...