Parris Campbell later became a 1,000-yard receiver in 2018, while Terry McLaurin caught 11 touchdowns that year, a prelude to becoming the group’s top NFLer with the Washington Commanders.
Then there was Noah Brown. The physical, 6-foot-2 receiver from New Jersey stood out from his fellow four-star freshmen.
After a one-catch freshman season — Ohio State fed the likes of Ezekiel Elliott, Michael Thomas and Samuel frequently — Brown roared into the following spring and fall practices. He became the most talked about player in the offseason and was set for a larger role.