Jayden Ballard joined Ohio State during the star-studded 2021 recruiting class for the Buckeyes. Though he has not made a huge impact yet, he is making waves during spring practices and could be gearing up for a breakout performance in the 2023 season.

On Saturday, Ballard came up with one of the highlights of the first half. Kyle McCord — Ohio State’s potential starting quarterback — dropped back and targeted Ballard near the sideline.

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The throw was placed away from the defender and gave Ballard a chance to make a play. He was able to elevate and come down with a one-handed grab while getting a foot down in bounds.

2023 outlook for Jayden Ballard

Last season, Ballard had just 8 catches for 155 yards and a touchdown. The majority of that production came in a game against Toledo where Ballard recorded 4 catches for 113 yards and a touchdown.

Ballard joined the Buckeyes in the 2021 recruiting class that included McCord and fellow WRs Marvin Harrison Jr. and Emeka Egbuka. While Harrison and Egbuka led the team in receiving, Ballard was behind Julian Fleming and Xavier Johnson in the receiver room last season.

A former 4-star prospect and 6-foot-2 WR out of Massillon, Ohio, we’ll see if Ballard can put things together and turn into a complimentary piece alongside Harrison and Egbuka.