Ohio State is set to experience some turnover on offense in the 2023 campaign, with their star quarterback C.J. Stroud declaring for the 2023 NFL Draft. One key piece who will be returning, though, is Marvin Harrison Jr., and it sounds like head coach Ryan Day is already drawing up new ways to utilize the Buckeyes top offensive playmaker.
Harrison enjoyed a breakout campaign with Ohio State last year (77 REC, 1263 YDS, 14 TD) and is easily one of the top wide receivers in all of college football. For the most part, Harrison spent his time working as an outside receiver in 2022, but heading into 2023, it sounds like Day intends on using Harrison out of the slot from time-to-time as well, which should make him even more dangerous than he already is.
Via Griffin Strom:
“Ryan Day on Marvin Harrison Jr. taking some reps in the slot today: ‘It’s something for the defense to consider.' Day says it will also help with Harrison’s route tree.”
Based on what we saw from Harrison in 2022, there's no reason to believe that he won't be successful in the slot as well. Harrison is a big threat as an outside receiver, but if he can get open on shallow routes over the middle of the field as well, it will only make him tougher to guard, and a bigger mismatch for opposing defenses.
There are rightfully some question marks surrounding Ohio State's offense right now, but Harrison is not one of those question marks. It will be interesting to see how Harrison manages to perform as Day moves him all around the field on offense, but it would be wise to expect a strong 2023 campaign from Harrison, regardless of where he lines up on the field.
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