Ohio State is just over a week into preseason training camp.
Following three open practices and a handful of interview sessions, several players have generated buzz. Here are seven of the Buckeyes who have stood out in early August:
Julian Sayin
The physical transformation of Sayin has been noticeable with his growth to 215 pounds over the offseason. He carries a broader, more developed frame than he did a year ago as he prepared for first season as the Buckeyes’ starting quarterback. He expects the added strength will make a difference. “The extra weight has helped me throwing the ball and running the ball,” Sayin said.
Isaiah West
West was seen as at least a complement to Bo Jackson, a 1,000-yard rusher as a freshman last fall, but the start of camp revealed he might be in line for a larger role in the backfield this year. When reporters were in attendance for the first three practices, West took nearly all of the first-team reps at running back and sprung loose for several long runs. He drew praise from coach Ryan Day, who said West had one of the best offseasons of anyone on the roster.
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Devin McCuin
McCuin could be among the Buckeyes’ most impactful transfer additions. It was evident that he brought experience to Ohio State with 153 catches in three seasons at UTSA, but the second practice on Aug. 7 showed he should provide more than a steady veteran presence. McCuin made a series of highlight catches, using his speed on the perimeter and ball skills over the middle. The fast start makes it easier to envision him as the No. 2 receiver behind Jeremiah Smith.
Brock Boyd
The Buckeyes’ depth at receiver muddies the path to the field for Boyd, but his potential is difficult to ignore. He carried over momentum from spring practice to the start of camp, working in with the first-team offense and putting together a string of catches. Boyd has looked like a polished route runner and receiving target for Sayin. Even if the position group is a bit crowded, he’s put himself in position to earn snaps as a freshman.
Eddrick Houston
Houston is the Buckeyes’ most experienced returning interior defensive lineman, having made four starts last season, and looked like it when they transitioned to shells during their third practice on Aug. 8. Lining up at tackle against the first-team offensive line, he broke into the backfield to snuff out several plays during an 11-on-11 period. After a knee injury hampered him at this time a year ago, he might be poised for a faster start to his junior season.
Jay Timmons
Cornerback Denzel Burke remains the lone freshman to seize a permanent starting spot on defense during Day’s tenure, but Timmons is making a push to join the exclusive club. He’s taken first-team reps as the nickel back, a spot vacated by Lorenzo Styles Jr., and caused his share of disruption during 11-on-11s by either dropping into coverage or blitzing. The buzz for the former five-star recruit from Pittsburgh continued on Aug. 12 when he lost his black stripe, the distinction for freshmen and transfers who have fully transitioned into the program.
Earl Little Jr.
Little, a safety who transferred to Ohio State from Florida State and could start alongside Jaylen McClain, garnered significant praise this week from wide receiver Brandon Inniss, his former teammate at the American Heritage School in Florida who said his range is reminiscent of Caleb Downs, who won the Jim Thorpe Award as the nation’s top defensive back last year. “He’s going to remind you all a lot of Caleb, honestly,” Inniss said, “the way he plays, flying downhill, making plays all over the field. Just play after play after play you see on film, it’s like, ‘Damn, he made that play?’”
Joey Kaufman covers Ohio State football for The Columbus Dispatch. Email him at jkaufman@dispatch.com and follow him on @joeyrkaufman on X.
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: 7 Ohio State football players standing out through first week of training camp
Reporting by Joey Kaufman, Columbus Dispatch / The Columbus Dispatch
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By Joey Kaufman, Columbus Dispatch | USA TODAY Network
