5 true freshmen to watch in Ohio State football spring practice
5 True Freshmen to Watch in Ohio State Football Spring Practice
As the Ohio State Buckeyes continue their quest for dominance in college football, spring practice marks a pivotal moment in the annual calendar. While the team is looking to build off its perennial success, spring practice also serves as a chance to evaluate new talent and see how incoming freshmen can contribute immediately. With Ohio State’s recruiting consistently ranked among the top in the nation, the program has brought in a new wave of talent that could make a significant impact as soon as they step on the field. This year, several true freshmen have the potential to not only make waves in spring practice but also earn meaningful playing time as the season unfolds.
With a combination of explosive athletes and refined skills, these freshmen will be under the microscope, not just by coaches, but also by fans eager to see who will emerge as the next standout players in a program that has produced some of the nation’s best. Here are five true freshmen to keep an eye on as Ohio State’s spring practice rolls on.
1. Carnell Tate (Wide Receiver)
Position: Wide Receiver
Hometown: Chicago, Illinois
Height/Weight: 6-2, 185 lbs
Rank: 5-Star Recruit, No. 1 Wide Receiver in the 2023 Class
Why He’s a Freshman to Watch:
Ohio State has a long history of producing elite wide receivers, and Carnell Tate has the talent to continue that tradition. As a 5-star recruit, Tate is one of the most highly touted wide receivers in the nation and has the potential to make an immediate impact in a unit that is already rich with talent.
In high school, Tate displayed incredible versatility, speed, and ability to create separation with a combination of physicality and finesse. His route running is refined, and he possesses excellent hands, making him a dangerous weapon in both the short and deep passing game. Tate also has the capability to make contested catches in traffic and can be a go-to target for quarterbacks in crucial situations.
Ohio State’s wide receiver room is stacked with talent, including veteran stars like Marvin Harrison Jr., Emeka Egbuka, and Julian Fleming. However, the departure of Jaxon Smith-Njigba to the NFL and the continued evolution of the offense presents an opportunity for Tate to carve out a role in the offense. If he performs well in spring practice, Tate could find himself in the rotation early on and may even push for a starting role. His combination of speed, size, and football IQ makes him a perfect fit for Ohio State’s high-octane passing attack, and it won’t be long before he becomes one of the top targets for whoever wins the quarterback competition.
2. Caleb Downs (Safety)
Position: Safety
Hometown: Hoschton, Georgia
Height/Weight: 6-0, 205 lbs
Rank: 5-Star Recruit, No. 1 Safety in the 2023 Class
Why He’s a Freshman to Watch:
Caleb Downs is one of the most highly regarded defensive prospects in the country. As the top-ranked safety in the 2023 class, Downs enters Ohio State with sky-high expectations. His ability to impact the game from the safety position—both in coverage and against the run—could make him an immediate contributor in the Buckeyes’ secondary.
Downs’ versatility is one of his greatest strengths. He has the speed to cover ground quickly in deep coverage, and he also has the physicality to step up and make plays in the run game. His ability to read the quarterback and understand offensive schemes makes him a valuable asset in pass coverage, and he’s shown the ability to be a ball hawk with impressive instincts.
Ohio State’s defense has been on a steady upward trajectory under defensive coordinator Jim Knowles, and having a player like Downs could be the final piece to elevate the defense to elite status. The Buckeyes are in need of a playmaker in the secondary, and Downs has the potential to fill that role. With veterans in the defensive backfield, it’s unclear whether he’ll start immediately, but his talent is undeniable. If he performs well in spring practice, Downs could quickly earn a starting role, particularly in the safety spots where Ohio State is looking for new stars to emerge.
3. Tyleik Williams (Defensive Tackle)
Position: Defensive Tackle
Hometown: Manassas, Virginia
Height/Weight: 6-3, 305 lbs
Rank: 4-Star Recruit, No. 5 Defensive Tackle in the 2023 Class
Why He’s a Freshman to Watch:
In Ohio State’s defense, the defensive line has been one of the team’s most dominant units, and Tyleik Williams has the physical tools to make an immediate impact. At 6-3, 305 lbs, Williams possesses a rare combination of size, strength, and explosiveness that allows him to be a disruptive force in the trenches. His ability to push through offensive linemen and pressure the quarterback or clog running lanes makes him a valuable asset in the defensive scheme.
Williams was a standout in high school, where he earned a reputation as a terror in the middle of the defense, capable of collapsing pockets and creating chaos for opposing quarterbacks. His pass-rushing abilities are among the best in the country, and he has the potential to develop into one of Ohio State’s top defensive playmakers.
The defensive line for Ohio State is already a strong unit, but with the departure of key players to the NFL, there is an opportunity for Williams to carve out significant playing time. He could be a potential starter in the defensive interior, and his presence in the middle of the defensive front will allow the Buckeyes to continue their dominance in stopping the run and applying pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
Williams’ development through spring practice will be crucial for him to earn a spot in Ohio State’s rotation early. If he can showcase his pass-rushing skills and ability to be a physical force in the interior, Williams will be one to watch throughout the season as a potential breakout player.
4. Dallan Hayden (Running Back)
Position: Running Back
Hometown: Memphis, Tennessee
Height/Weight: 5-10, 210 lbs
Rank: 4-Star Recruit, No. 10 Running Back in the 2023 Class
Why He’s a Freshman to Watch:
While Ohio State’s running back room has been historically stacked with talent, Dallan Hayden has the potential to emerge as a key contributor in 2023. At 5-10 and 210 lbs, Hayden is built like a traditional, power-back but possesses the speed and agility to break big runs. His versatility makes him an intriguing option for the Buckeyes, especially as the program continues to evolve under Ryan Day’s spread offense.
Hayden is an explosive runner with a powerful lower body that allows him to push through tacklers. He’s known for his vision and patience behind the line of scrimmage, as well as his ability to change direction quickly when finding holes. His style of play makes him a perfect complement to Ohio State’s spread attack, which focuses on creating mismatches and wide-open running lanes.
The Buckeyes have an impressive depth chart at running back, with players like Miyan Williams and TreVeyon Henderson leading the way. However, Hayden’s ability to make an impact during spring practice could position him as a key player in Ohio State’s backfield rotation. If he can show his ability to handle high-pressure moments and maintain consistency in practices, Hayden could earn meaningful reps as a true freshman.
5. Jakob James (Offensive Line)
Position: Offensive Line
Hometown: Cincinnati, Ohio
Height/Weight: 6-5, 300 lbs
Rank: 4-Star Recruit, No. 12 Offensive Tackle in the 2023 Class
Why He’s a Freshman to Watch:
The offensive line is the foundation of any successful football program, and Ohio State has always been known for its strong, physical line. Jakob James, a 6-5, 300-pound offensive tackle, has the skill set to contribute to that tradition and could be a player to watch during spring practice. Known for his combination of size, strength, and technique, James has the potential to see the field sooner rather than later.
Ohio State has a few key returners on the offensive line, but with some spots up for grabs, James will be looking to prove himself as a valuable asset. His ability to play either tackle or guard gives him the flexibility to earn playing time at multiple spots, which is important for depth in the trenches. James has great footwork and excels at keeping defenders away from the quarterback, making him a strong candidate for a role in Ohio State’s deep offensive line rotation.
During spring practice, James will be tasked with proving that he can handle the physicality and speed of the college game. If he can hold his own in the competitive environment of Ohio State’s spring drills, it won’t be long before James earns his spot as an important contributor on the offensive line.
