With just under two months until National Signing Day, Ohio State has undoubtedly put itself in a position to land one of, if not the best recruiting classes in program history.
The Buckeyes hold commitments from 16 prospects — 10 of which rank among the top 60 recruits nationally — and to think there's still room for roughly five or six more players seems absurd.
While this all sounds great on paper, the key is managing expectations. It's important to understand the vast majority of the class won't have a significant impact in Columbus for at least a few years, especially because Ohio State isn't once again going to be tasked with replacing 16 starters next fall.
Such circumstances are what allowed true freshman Michael Jordan to start every game at offensive guard for the Buckeyes this season, and players like defensive end Nick Bosa, running back Demario McCall and wide receivers Austin Mack and Binjimen Victor to see notable playing time.
But with starters firmly entrenched across the board, the Class of 2017 will have its work cut out for it. The talent is certainly there to push for early playing time, though, which is why the following incoming freshmen (listed in order by overall ranking) could become household names sooner rather than later.
LB BARON BROWNING - KENNEDALE, TEXAS
One of the biggest factors in Baron Browning's recruitment seemed to be early playing time. He wasn't certain to find that at Alabama, as the Crimson Tide have locked down pledges from four of the country's top linebackers.
Ohio State, meanwhile, doesn't have much depth at the position and expects to lose middle linebacker Raekwon McMillan to the NFL Draft following the season.
Browning is momentarily the only linebacker in the class, and while he probably won't man the middle from the jump — the injured Dante Booker will transition from the weak side — he'll certainly find himself second on the depth chart after spring practices. Browning's overall athleticism will help him make a name for himself on special teams, as well.
OT JOSH MYERS - MIAMISBURG
Following in the footsteps of the aforementioned Jordan, Josh Myers probably has the best chance of the bunch to start as a true freshman.
The 6-foot-6, 306-pounder will slide over to guard in an attempt to replace starter Billy Price, who is expected to transition to center next season.
Myers is certainly capable of such a move, but it won't be easy. There's a reason Jordan was the first true freshman to start on the Ohio State offensive line since Hall of Famer Orlando Pace more than 20 years ago.
WR TREVON GRIMES - FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA, ST. THOMAS AQUINAS
Though he still has a lengthy road to recovery after tearing his ACL in September, Trevon Grimes is expected to be ready for fall camp. And as the aforementioned Bosa showed this fall after suffering the same injury during his senior year at St. Thomas Aqunias, playing time will not be out of the question.
In fact, there's probably no position more up for grabs than wide receiver after the group's disappointing showing this season.
If the 6-foot-3, 202-pounder can quickly regain his strength and speed — and that's a big if — there's no question he can become a difference maker and go-to option for the Ohio State offense next season.
CB SHAUN WADE - JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA, TRINITY CHRISTIAN
We'll find out in about a month whether Shaun Wade will ever play a down in Columbus, but let's just say for now he chooses to reaffirm his commitment at the U.S. Army All-American Bowl instead of flipping to Alabama.
With the potential departure of cornerbacks Gareon Conley and Marshon Lattimore, Wade could become an immediate presence in the Buckeyes' secondary. Denzel Ward appears to have one side of the field locked up, so Wade would have to beat out Damon Arnette for the other.
Wade would enroll at Ohio State just two days after making his final decision, meaning he'll also have all spring to push for time, whether it's as a starter or in certain defensive packages.
DE CHASE YOUNG - HYATTSVILLE, MARYLAND, DEMATHA
Ohio State has relied on a rotation at the defensive end spot of Bosa, Jalyn Holmes, Sam Hubbard and Tyquan Lewis to wreak havoc on opposing offensive lines this season.
But with the presumed departure of at least Hubbard — and maybe even Holmes and Lewis — Chase Young will absolutely have a chance to enter the fray next year.
Standing 6-foot-5 and 225 pounds, Young already has the body of an elite pass rusher. He won't enroll until the summer, though, which may slow his progress up the depth chart early in the season.
