Getty Image / Todd Kirkland
The Ohio State Buckeyes’ offense is going through some big changes this offseason.
CJ Stroud, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, and multiple offensive linemen are heading to the draft.
That leaves a lot of production to be replaced, but luckily the Buckeyes will still have another one of their most important players.
Marvin Harrison Jr will be retiring for his junior season and the star wide receiver will be asked to take on a heavy load for the Ohio State offense.
However, it looks like the offense won’t be the only place Harrison Jr is called upon.
Head coach Ryan Day revealed to the media that they’re taking a look at him as a punt returner.
Ryan Day meeting with the media following the first spring practice.
He said Marvin Harrison Jr. is returning punts this spring because Emeka Egbuka is out and Ohio State wants to build depth at punt returner.
Day wants to find new ways to get Marv more involved this year.
— Dan Hope (@Dan_Hope) March 7, 2023
It’s understandable to want to get the ball into the hands of your best players as much as possible. However, this is absolutely the wrong way to do it.
The last thing you want to do with one of the stars of your offense is put them in a situation where they have a higher risk of being injured. Special teams plays are the times in a football game where you have the highest likelihood of an injury.
Harrison Jr is simply too important to the offense. In 2022 he was unanimously named an All-American after racking up 77 catches for 1263 yards and 14 touchdowns. With a new quarterback taking over the offense after CJ Stroud left for the draft, the Buckeyes should be focused on getting the ball to Marvin Harrison Jr.
To do that, they should be figuring out ways to scheme him touches n the flow of the offense.
Marvin Harrison Jr is an absolute stud and should see plenty of the ball next season, but Ohio State shouldn’t be trying to force anything that might get him hurt.