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The "X" Factor

+21 HS
GVerrilli92's picture
April 6, 2016 at 2:35pm
32 Comments

So in honor of AI's recent induction into the Hall of Fame, I'd like to take a moment to talk about yes - practice. Particularly, spring practice and what will be one of the more impacting position battles.

The X receiver can be the lost soldier in a power zone read scheme, as lacking a superstar at split end will cause you to quickly forget the position exists. We were spoiled as of late - laying witness to the rise of #shhhh. Mike Thomas embodied the X position in about as prototypical a way as possible. His ability to beat the jam coupled with his sideline prowess made it hard for Urban to get anybody else on the field at the position. 

This year, #shhhh will be playing for millions, and our Buckeyes will be left trying to replace what was somehow a seemingly under-utilized weapon. This is one of the many position battles that will need to be settled before conference play. And intrigue is not lacking, considering who the candidates are to fill the gap.

This may be the only new starting position that has three legitimate contenders. Furthermore, each of the three will probably get playing time in important situations regardless of who goes on to start - because each contender brings a very different skillset to the position.

Noah Brown - The Enforcer

You almost wonder why this guy doesn't play defense.

When healthy, the physicality Noah Brown brings to the edge is very uncommon. Brown will sideline a safety or two this fall (and you can count on that), as he seems to enjoy laying the wood more than reeling in TDs. His soft hands and catch radius have been well-documented too though, and this combination of contrasting skills has him poised to reclaim a starting spot as the X. But when he returns from injury don't be surprised to see him motioning across the formation. His ability to lead block and his reliability as a pass-catching option makes him an absolute entity at multiple spots on the field. Urban will utilize the "veteran" receiver using motion often, and Noah will be the closest thing to a true 3-down wideout that we have. His lack of speed is his only weakness as an X, but he's still a deep threat due to his size and positioning.

Expect Noah to start at X, but don't expect him to be limited to that role.

Torrance Gibson - The Hype Man

TG is the type of player that championship teams need.

At the time of Gibson's recruitment, he represented one of Urban's biggest victories away from the field. The high school athlete QB was a gamebreaker with the ball in his hands, and the only question leaving prep was simply: in what way would the young star receive the ball? Well, after last year it was decided that he would literally be receiving the ball. Nagging injuries, bouts of immaturity and veteran talent at his position worked in unison to sideline Gibson his freshman year. However, it's his time now to live up to the billing. He has the size, speed, and explosion to warrant extra attention on the edge. But another little known QB-turned-WR by the name of Braxton Miller showed us last year that nuance is more important than just being an athletic specimen. Can Gibson learn to touch the ball in conventional ways at the X?

If so, expect a lot of big plays this fall from the young athlete.

Austin Mack - The Polished Pup

Mack is the pressure and the safety net.

Very rarely do you see a receiver come into a place like Ohio State and immediately make noise as a true freshman, but that's exactly what Mack has done. It's well-known around these parts that he is the first "official" member of the team from the incoming class - having just lost his black stripe. But furthermore, Austin has already jumped Torrance on the depth chart (according to reports of rotation order). Now this could be great news for Ohio State fans or terrible news for Torrance Gibson. Either way - Mack was recruited to provide immediate impact, and that's just what he'll have the chance to do. Austin Mack is savvy incarnate. His physical gifts are well above average, but what makes him stand out is his understanding of the "true" split position. Highlights of the prep star will showcase his ability to find space with his routes, highpoint jump balls, and make safeties just look really dumb with his hip and stride technique.

Throwing the ball Austin Mack's way will never be a wasted target.

 

So obviously there are some glaring question marks across the offense for this upcoming season. But the X position has more than enough solutions. And In this case, there may be no wrong answers. 

Thoughts?

Disclaimer: I'm not a writer for ElevenWarriors, but I did stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night.

This is a forum post from a site member. It does not represent the views of Eleven Warriors unless otherwise noted.

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