Every year in college football there are new starters on both sides of the ball that have breakout seasons. When you finally get that opportunity to start, you want to make a name for yourself. In this article we will look at some candidates who can have a breakout season for Ohio State in 2022.
Offense:
WR Marvin Harrison JR.
After not getting much playing time in 2021, Harrison is primed to have a breakout Sophomore campaign. Marvin Harrison JR was the 97th player nationally and 14th ranked wide receiver coming out of high school. In his only start last season Harrison put up six receptions for 71 yards and three touchdowns against Utah. With Chris Olave and Garrett Wilson gone to the NFL, Harrison is in a good spot to put up great numbers alongside Jaxon Smith-Njigba. Harrison should be a great red zone target for QB C.J Stroud just like his NFL Hall of Fame father, who had eight straight seasons of double-digit touchdowns in the NFL. Only difference is Marvin Harrison JR is a lot bigger than his father standing at 6’3 and 205 lbs. Marvin Harrison was only 6’0 and 185 lbs.
WR Julian Fleming
Julian Fleming was very highly recruited coming out of high school. He was the 3rd ranked player nationally and number one ranked wide receiver. He hasn’t gotten much playing time to show his full potential due to nagging knee injuries and a crowded wide receiver room. This season he should be poised for a starting role and a chance to finally showcase his talents. Fleming only had one start last year which was also in the rose bowl game against Utah where he had 5 receptions for 35 yards. It was an underwhelming first start for Fleming but as long as he stays healthy, he’s too talented to not put-up good numbers.
Defense:
DL J.T Tuimoloau
J.T Tuimoloau was ranked 4th nationally and the 2nd defensive lineman coming out of high school. J.T got some playing time as a freshman putting up 4.5 tackles for loss and 17 total tackles. Tuimoloau is the highest-rated defensive prospect to sign with Ohio State since 2000. He is a great candidate to have that sophomore breakout season like Chase Young did in 2018. Both players have similar builds as well. Chase Young stands at 6’5 and 265 lb while J.T Tuimoloau is 6’4 and 272 lbs. Expect Tuimoloau to be a pest to opposing quarterbacks in 2022.
DL Jack Sawyer
Jack Sawyer was ranked 5th nationally (just behind Tuimoloau) and the 3rd defensive lineman in the 2021 class. Sawyer also played a solid amount in his freshman season racking up three sacks, 13 total tackles and one forced fumble. With a new defensive scheme in play under newly hired defensive coordinator Jim Knowles, Jack Sawyer is a candidate to play at the LEO position. The LEO is someone who usually stands up near the line of scrimmage. The player is usually a defensive lineman who is athletic but can also be a linebacker. Sawyer seems like the perfect fit for this role as the 6’4 260 lb defensive lineman is very athletic for his size. If Sawyer and Tuimoloau can both breakout in 2022, Ohio State’s defensive line could be one of the best in the country.
