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5 reasons J.T. Barrett can win the 2016 Heisman

By Connor Muldowney

Nov 28, 2015; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback J.T. Barrett (16) rushes in the second half against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Michigan Stadium. Ohio State won 42-13. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 28, 2015; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback J.T. Barrett (16) rushes in the second half against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Michigan Stadium. Ohio State won 42-13. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 1, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Parris Campbell (21) against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish during the 2016 Fiesta Bowl at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Buckeyes defeated the Fighting Irish 44-28. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Parris Campbell (21) against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish during the 2016 Fiesta Bowl at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Buckeyes defeated the Fighting Irish 44-28. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Young, talented targets

Ohio State shouldn’t look at the departures of guys like Braxton Miller, Michael Thomas and Jalin Marshall as the future of the offense, but rather guys like Parris Campbell, Corey Smith, Noah Brown, Austin Mack and Curtis Samuel coming back to lead a talented, young group that could surprise some people.

Losing five of the top six receivers, including tight end Nick Vannett and running back Ezekiel Elliott, has to hurt, on paper, but Ohio State just rebuilds at the skill positions.

Just because these guys coming back are young and relatively unproven, they all have the talent to be pretty special.

Noah Brown is a speedy 6-foot-2 receiver who could break out for the Buckeyes as a sophomore. The former highly-touted athlete from New Jersey has just one catch for nine yards in his career, but projects as the starter.

Smith also looks to be a starter at one of the receiver spots, if the senior can stay healthy. He had over 200 yards in 2014, but couldn’t put together a full year in 2015, finishing with just five catches for 52 yards. He can, and will, excel with an expanded role.

Parris Campbell will look to have a nice role along with K.J. Hill. Marcus Baugh is the junior starter at tight end and could fill in nicely for Vannett.

Samuel and Wilson look to be the H-back duo for the Buckeyes and they bring an extra athletic dynamic to the offense.

Don’t sleep on the young guys like Austin Mack — a top 100 recruit for 2016 — and Demario McCall, another highly-touted recruit, who looks to be another option at H-back.

Next: 3. Focal point of offense

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