Ohio State Football Spring Game 2017: 5 things to watch for

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Dec 31, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes receiver Parris Campbell (21) returns a kick-off against the Clemson Tigers at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports /

2. A new-look receiving core

The Ohio State Buckeyes are going to have to find out real quick which wide receiver is going to become the guy in 2017. With Curtis Samuel and Noah Brown no longer on the roster as they pursue NFL careers, everyone else is going to have to step up.

They have receivers in place already on the roster that have experience so that should make J.T. Barrett’s job a little easier rather than having to maybe lead some incoming freshman. Parris Campbell is the early candidate to be the go-to guy.

The spring game should be a great first look at who Barrett is comfortable with on the field. He has reps with each of these guys, also including Terry McLaurin, K.J. Hill and others. They know the offense so the learning curve is not going to be as much of a factor.

Still, losing Samuel and Brown means losing two dynamic players that could change the game instantly. The new-look receiving core is going to have to prove themselves early and someone will have to stand out from the rest for the position to be successful.

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