Competition in Ohio State's WR room making everyone better, Brian Hartline says

Talent at the wide receiver position is probably as good as it’s ever been in the B1G. It’s hard to argue that another team in the conference has the same kind of depth that Ohio State has, though.

Receiver is a position group of strength in Columbus entering the 2020 season. Not only do the Buckeyes return stars like Chris Olave and Garrett Wilson, but there’s a plethora of younger talent that make the room even better. Names like Jameson Williams, Julian Fleming, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Gee Scott Jr. and Mookie Cooper are also hoping to make an impact in the offense this fall.

Speaking with the media on Tuesday, wide receiver coach Brian Hartline says that the depth in Columbus at the position is outstanding.

“I’d argue that we’re as close to three-deep as ever,” Hartline said, per Dan Hope of Eleven Warriors.

Ohio State lost a lot at the receiver position last season. K.J. Hill, Binjimen Victor and Austin Mack each had at least 350 receiving yards last season and accounted for 19 touchdown receptions during a 13-1 campaign in 2019. That’s not easy to replicate.

But Hartline says that one of the reasons the position gets better and better is because of the incredible amount of competition that’s happening on a daily basis.

“It’s just a battle, day in and day out,” he said. “There’s somebody in this room that can do something I don’t do, and if I can learn from that, I can add that to my game.”

Those receivers will have a pretty good quarterback tossing passes their way. Justin Fields is back under center after totaling 41 touchdown passes with just three interceptions last season, and is expected to be a finalist for the Heisman Trophy for a second-consecutive season.

With the talent at quarterback and wide receiver, Ohio State’s offense is going to be incredibly difficult for defenses to stop.