Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Every championship team has big time playmakers. Ohio State had a plethora of them last season at almost every position on both sides of the ball. One of the position groups that came through time and time again for the Buckeyes in 2014 was the receiving corps (or #Zone6 as they prefer). Whether it was hauling in a pass at a crucial point of a game or throwing a devastating block to spring Ezekiel Elliott, the Ohio State wide receivers made plays all season long. The Buckeyes lost Devin Smith and Evan Spencer to graduation after last season, but as we’ve seen before, the Buckeyes have the players and the talent to step up in their place.
Corey Smith, Dontre Wilson and Jalin Marshall all return for Ohio State, but the most important returning receiver is junior Michael Thomas. The Los Angeles-native had several signature big plays in 2014. Against Maryland he made a spectacular catch in the back of the end zone with potential Thorpe candidate William Likely draped all over him. In the showdown with Michigan State in East Lansing, he torched the Spartans’ secondary on a 79-yard touchdown catch and run. But the play that Ohio State fans will always remember is his acrobatic toe-tapping touchdown reception against Alabama in the Sugar Bowl that swung the momentum in the Buckeyes’ favor. With his ability to make big plays, Thomas will have no trouble becoming the primary receiver in the Buckeye offense this season.
Thomas is not a typical deep threat like Smith, but he is quick out of his breaks which creates space in the open field. He can occasionally show breakaway speed once he gets the ball in his hands. But he is also a physical receiver. His 6-foot-3, 209-pound frame makes him a huge target, especially in the red zone. If a fade is thrown to the back corner of the end zone, Thomas will come down with the ball nine times out of 10.
This season is likely Thomas’ last in the scarlet and grey, so he’s going to have a big one. Expect his name to be in conversation for the Biletnikoff Award once the end of the season nears. Terry Glenn is the only other Ohio State receiver to win the award (1995), but that could very well change if Thomas continues to make game-changing plays like last season.
Brooks Hooley is a Junior Big Ten Football writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @brookshooley.
