COLUMBUS — Ohio State’s wide receiver room has been one of the deepest position groups on the roster all season. Saturday against Maryland could give the Buckeyes a chance to find out just how deep it really is.
Devin McCuin and Brandon Inniss were both listed as questionable on Ohio State’s initial availability report this week, potentially opening the door for freshmen Chris Henry Jr. and Brock Boyd to take on larger roles against the Terrapins.
Neither freshman has produced huge numbers yet, but both have already shown flashes of what made them highly regarded recruits coming into this year.
Henry has three receptions for 105 yards and two touchdowns through five games, including a 75-yard score that displayed the kind of explosiveness Ohio State hoped to add when the former five-star prospect arrived in Columbus. Boyd has been used more frequently in the passing game, recording six catches for 110 yards.
Ryan Day said Wednesday that both freshmen have continued to earn trust through their work away from the ball, particularly as blockers. He also indicated that their opportunities in the passing game should increase as the season progresses.
That opportunity could arrive sooner than expected.
McCuin has emerged as Ohio State’s second-leading receiver behind Jeremiah Smith, catching 17 passes through five games, while Inniss has remained an important part of the rotation. If either is limited or unavailable Saturday, Ohio State will have to redistribute snaps in a receiver room that already relies heavily on Smith.
The Buckeyes do have another option entering the mix. LSU transfer Kyle Parker is expected to play for the first time this season after missing the opening five games. Parker caught 31 passes for 330 yards and four touchdowns at LSU last season before following wide receivers coach Cortez Hankton to Ohio State.
That gives Julian Sayin several possible replacements if the depth chart gets thinner, but Maryland could provide the best opportunity yet for Henry and Boyd to become more involved offensively.
Both freshmen have already been rotating into games, and neither has looked overwhelmed by the physical side of college football. The next step is turning those snaps into more consistent production in the passing game.
Maryland arrives in Columbus at 2-3 overall and 0-2 in the Big Ten, while Ohio State enters Saturday ranked No. 5 and coming off a 31-14 road win at Iowa. The Buckeyes are heavily favored, which could also create opportunities for younger players if Ohio State builds an early lead.
For Henry and Boyd, however, the goal is bigger than collecting late-game snaps.
Ohio State will need dependable options behind Smith as the schedule gets tougher, and injuries have a way of accelerating the development process. If McCuin or Inniss cannot play their usual roles Saturday, the freshmen may get their first real chance to prove they are ready for something more substantial.
