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Ohio State football: First-look 2019 depth chart projections

By Maitland Rutledge

ATHENS, GA - NOVEMBER 17: Georgia Bulldogs quarterback Justin Fields (1) scrambles during the Massachusetts Minutemen v Georgia Bulldogs game on November 17, 2018 at Sanford Stadium in Athens, GA. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
ATHENS, GA - NOVEMBER 17: Georgia Bulldogs quarterback Justin Fields (1) scrambles during the Massachusetts Minutemen v Georgia Bulldogs game on November 17, 2018 at Sanford Stadium in Athens, GA. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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INDIANAPOLIS, IN – DECEMBER 01: J.K. Dobbins #2 of the Ohio State Buckeyes runs the ball during the Big Ten Championship game against the Northwestern Wildcats at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 1, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. Ohio State won 45-24. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – DECEMBER 01: J.K. Dobbins #2 of the Ohio State Buckeyes runs the ball during the Big Ten Championship game against the Northwestern Wildcats at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 1, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. Ohio State won 45-24. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

Offense

Notable Losses: No doubt replacing Dwayne Haskins will be one of the more burning questions when the Buckeyes meet again in the spring, especially with the transfer of Tate Martell. Offensive lineman Isaiah Prince was one of the team captains on offense and his presence will be missed as one of the veterans of the big men up front. In addition, six linemen from last year’s team were seniors. This group will look very different in 2019. Running back Mike Weber Jr. also declared for the draft, leaving a dent in the team’s running game production. Receivers Paris Campbell, Terry McLaurin and Johnnie Dixon leave as well, forcing new faces in the passing game to step up.

QB: Chris Chugunov, senior; Matthew Baldwin | Justin Fields, sophomore

The transfer of Justin Fields to the program and Martell’s exit have changed the look of the team’s quarterback depth chart, but nothing is guaranteed right away for Fields. Chris Chugunov is entering his senior season after being redshirted following his transfer from West Virginia. While only appeared in 10 games for the Mountaineers, he has a legitimate shot of competing for the starting job for the first time in his career. Fields, however, will be the overwhelming favorite to start if he is granted immediate eligibility.

RB: J.K. Dobbins, junior | Amari McMahon, senior

Dobbins is arguably this offense’s best returning player. The incoming junior is coming off back-to-back 1,000-yard rushing seasons and has scored 20 touchdowns in his career so far. Losing Mike Weber Jr. is a blow to the Buckeyes “two-headed monster” that dominated on the ground, but McMahon is a solid replacement. Ohio State’s running game should be a force to reckoned with yet again in the Big Ten.

WR: K.J. Hill, senior | Binjimen Victor, senior

WR: Austin Mack, senior | C.J. Saunders, senior

WR: Chris Olave, sophomore | Garrett Wilson, freshman

Losing three receivers is devastating for a passing attack that was dominant last season. Fortunately, Hill and Victor combined for over 1,000 yards and 11 touchdowns in 2018, giving Chugunov or Fields plenty of experienced guys to work with. Wilson is one of the team’s biggest prizes of their most recent recruiting class. Look for him to make a difference if he gets a chance.

TE: Rashod Berry, senior | Luke Farrell, junior

Berry caught two touchdowns last season but is one of the more experienced pass catchers on the offense returning. Farrell was the team’s most productive tight end with 205 yards and a score last season. Look for both to be instrumental in the team’s passing and running games next year.

LT:  Thayer Munford, junior | Joshua Alabi, (RS) senior

LG: Branden Bowen, senior | Gavin Cupp, junior   

C: Josh Myers, sophomore | Brandon Pahl, senior

RG: Wyatt Davis, (RS) sophomore | Jack Jamieson, sophomore

RT: Kevin Woidke, senior | Nathan Brock, senior

Losing seven linemen from last year’s team will make the 2019 group look quite different. Fortunately, Ohio State has several upperclassmen on the offensive line heading into 2019. Brock and Bowen are the most standout players of this group, but the Buckeyes also have plenty of depth on their line.

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