8. This group of receivers will eliminate quite a few doubts. Urban Meyer has asked for increased production from his receivers each year he has been at Ohio State. This year will be no different. Even though Evan Spencer won't be participating this spring, the passing game shouldn't stumble any. There are so many receivers on the roster right now that a few of them have to end up being pretty good. Also, Devin Smith improved quite a bit from 2012 to 2013, and he should do the same in 2014 as well.
Braxton will have many new faces to throw to next season. We take a look at the 2014 wide receivers: http://t.co/JogVOfeTwI— Land-Grant Holy Land (@Landgrant33) March 23, 2014
WR pecking order: Devin Smith, Michael Thomas, Corey Smith. (Evan Spencer is not practice due to injury.)— Lantern Sports (@LanternSports) March 25, 2014
Spring depth chart at WR, per Meyer: Devin Smith, Michael Thomas, Corey Smith, Johnny Dixon. Says receivers will be a strength.— Dave Briggs (@DBriggsBlade) March 25, 2014
@CoachZachSmith talks about how his wide receivers are progressing this spring @Wide_Receiver_U http://t.co/uM58Gp9lZt via @davebiddle— Alex Gleitman (@alexgleitman) March 28, 2014
5. Corey Smith vs Michael Thomas With Evan Spencer out this spring, the starting receiver spot opposite Devin Smith is wide open. Even with Spencer back, it probably would have been open anyway, but at the moment there are really only two receivers fighting it out. Michael Thomas has been with the ones for most of practice, and Urban Meyer listed him as the #2 receiver just behind Devin Smith. Corey Smith has flashed some tremendous hands already this spring, but was also hampered with a slight leg injury. Offensive coordinator Tom Herman said this week that Corey Smith could be the best receiver on the team if he plays consistently, though the same could be said for each of the receivers. At stake here is a chance to be a starting wide receiver in an Ohio State offense that promises to throw the ball more than it has in years. The winner here may also have a leg up on Spencer, who started most of the season a year ago.
Scout.com (Free) WRs Hope Talent Translates To Production..............Ohio State wide receivers coach Zach Smith said Dontre Wilson, who was a running back in 2013, is the only game-ready wide receiver at the moment. He's hoping for better play this fall out of Devin Smith, Corey Smith, Michael Thomas and others as the Buckeyes look to strengthen a passing game whose production dropped off near the end of the 2013 campaign.
Competition breeding success for Ohio State wide receivers http://t.co/CR8sOo9zQD— The Lantern (@TheLantern) April 3, 2014
8. Michael Thomas and Corey Smith highlighted the receivers Two players who did not play in 2013 were on display to begin 2014. Michael Thomas finished the game with six receptions for 64 yards and demonstrated ability to catch the ball in multiple ways. He has the hands and the athletic ability to be a top receiver, but it is yet to come together for him at Ohio State just yet. Smith was a JUCO transfer last year and many believe he has a bright future. Cardale Jones looked for him deep several times and although they didn’t connect there, Smith finished with five catches for 72 yards. Both players left a good taste in the coaches’ mouths but need to demonstrate consistency going forward.
3. Is there a consistent receiver on the outside? While the Buckeyes' outside receivers each had their moments this spring, there has yet to be a go-to guy emerge. Most expect Devin Smith to be that guy, but had a relatively quiet spring. There were expectations for Michael Thomas, and while he made some plays, it wasn't something that he hadn't already done before. Corey Smith opened the spring looking like the best of the bunch, but an injury seemed to slow him a bit over the second half of practices. Freshman Johnnie Dixon had his moments, but never quite put it together like Urban Meyer was hoping for him. As Meyer said last week, while nobody has necessarily emerged, there are still five or six candidates who certainly could.
Spring Recap of the wide receiver position. http://t.co/SQD2jnhF3E by Tony Gerdemsn— The Ozone (@theozonedotnet) April 27, 2014
Ohio State's wide receiver play has sometimes bordered on the dreaded "average". What can be done about it? http://t.co/VNF7QEYKyQ— Eleven Warriors (@11W) June 6, 2014
Meyer said Corey Smith and Michael Thomas are really battling for a top 2 or 3 WR position.— Patrick Murphy (@_Pat_Murphy) August 10, 2014
Ohio State 2014 Football Media Day :: #84 Corey Smith, #2 Dontre Wilson, and #3 Michael Thomas by elevenwarriors, on Flickr
I really want to see Thomas take a starting spot on the outside... I love the physicality that he brings to the table, and I think he has the attitude to go up and take the ball away from defenders. I'd be disappointed if he isn't a household name for Buckeye fans by the end of the season...
Those three along with Jalin Smith are the ones Braxton is always mentioning when reporters ask about the receivers... We know what Devin Smith brings to the table. We know that Evan Spencer is a good, not great receiver but a great blocker... I expect the WR to be a position of strength and I believe that Mike Thomas will lead the team in receptions. He is a big and skilled target. Oh, and we have the best trio of TE's in the country, too! Enjoy, Braxton!
What about Dixon and Greene? I feel like we have a wealth of talent but we seem to forget who all we have
There was a time that I thought Frank Epitropoulos would one day be our second or third best receiver... then... Urban Meyer / Tom Herman / Zach Smith happened.