The Top 5 Most Important Ohio State Players for 2023
Julian Fleming - #4 - Senior - WR: The 5 star recruit is still yet to have a breakout season. He is entering his 4th year, and finally injury free, is set to have a big year. In the shadow of Marvin Harrison Jr. and Emeka Egbuka, teams won’t focus on Fleming as much, so he needs to make use of it because there is a long line of elite receivers waiting to take his spot. (Photo: The Ohio State University)
Jack Sawyer - #33 - Junior - DE: Another 5 star recruit who needs to have a big season. Jack Sawyer needs to take some pressure off the other starting DE, JT Tuimoloau, and get to the quarterback. He also needs to be able to fill the big shoes of Zach Harrison, who is now in the NFL with the Falcons. (Photo: The Ohio State University)
Sonny Styles - #6 - Sophmore - S: The #1 safety and #1 player in Ohio in the class of 2022 needs to being the Ohio State secondary back to what it used to be. Gaping holes leading to long touchdowns has been our weakness the past couple years, one of the worst being against Michigan in ‘22. Styles needs to help bring the Silver Bullets back and he is a vital peice for Ohio State to have an elite defense. (Photo: The Ohio State University)
Jordan Hancock - #7 - Junior - DB: After Denzel Burke locked down the starting spot for the other DB position, Jordan Hancock seems to have won a close competition for this one. He needs to limit big plays and maybe get Ohio States first DB interception since 2019. Ohio State will face multiple tough challenges on defense starting with Notre Dame and Sam Hartman's passing and experience. (Photo: The Ohio State University)
Carson Hinzman - #75 - Redshirt Sophmore - C: With just two returning starters on the offensive line, Carson Hinzman needs to be the soul of a hopefully aggressive group. After struggles protecting the quarterback in the spring game, this young offensive line is hoping to find its former success. (Photo: The Ohio State University)