The Ohio State Buckeyes have a few key veterans returning on both sides of the ball, and they'll be counted on to lead the Buckeyes to a Big Ten title. However, Ohio State lost several players to the NFL Draft and they'll need a few new recruits to help the team win games. It helps that OSU put together one of the best recruiting classes this season.
Not every recruit will contribute right away, and most of the players might not make their real impact for another year or two. But each year, a few additions find a way to contribute early. With that in mind, here are 3 Ohio State recruits who could make a big impact next year.
3. WR Austin Mack
Mack is one of several offensive weapons that could see the field early. RB Antonio Williams (who enrolled early), all-purpose back DeMario McCall and WR Binjimen Victor could all help replace RB Ezekiel Elliott and WRs Michael Thomas, Jalin Marshall and Braxton Miller. But Mack is the most likely to contribute right away, in part because he's already enrolled. The four-star WR is the No. 76 overall player in the 2016 class and Urban Meyer has already said that Mack will play right away.
2. DE Nick Bosa
The Buckeyes can pencil in Sam Hubbard at one DE position, but are still in need of another. There's a good chance that ends up being Nick Bosa, the younger brother of Joey Bosa. The five-star recruit was the best strong-side DE in the 2016 class and the Buckeyes need him to play early. Another defensive end, four-star Jonathon Cooper, is already enrolled and will likely contribute early.
1. CB Jordan Fuller
The Buckeyes lost three of their four starters in the secondary, which means a few young players are going to get a baptism by fire. Expect one of those to be Fuller, a four-star recruit.
"Jordan Fuller was such a great get," said Meyer. "There's no doubt he'll play as a true freshman."
Fuller could very well be a starter in the season opener. Download the Chat Sports Android and iPhone app for more on the Buckeyes' recruiting class.
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