Ohio State has not returned a punt or kickoff for a touchdown since 2014. This return drought is inexplicable for such a good team. This drought should end for Ohio State this year with Bandon Inness back there. He is exciting, and he has the speed to return a punt for a touchdown this season. Kickoffs are a bit tougher, with so many touchbacks, but Emeka Ebuka is experienced and skilled. This article discusses some historical and current returners and argues that a return of a kick for a touchdown this season is likely. Who knows, maybe Ohio State will throw Jerimiah Smith back there.
Current Kick Returners for Ohio State
Brandon Inness
The Buckeyes have a strong punt returner in Brandon Inness. He has the speed and vision to score a touchdown. It was amazing to see him field the ball at his ten-yard line and, going toward his end zone, bring the punt back about forty yards. He has supplanted Jayden Ballard as the punt returner, even though Ballard is talented and more experienced. Ballard is a senior, and Inness is a sophomore. With all that said, it is the case that the Ohio State punt blocking is stronger this year than it has been in the past 15 years.
Starters on Special Teams
Ohio State plays a lot of starters on special teams. Currently, the Buckeyes have Ballard returning kickoffs with Lorenzo Styles Jr., and Styles starts on defense. Emeka Embuka backs up Inness at punt returner. Kick returns are complicated by the fact that the kicking team may kick the ball into the end zone, resulting in a touchback and negating the return.
It is the case that on both the punt and kickoff teams, Ohio State has starters at most positions. Ohio State frequently keeps its first-team defense on the field in ‘punt-safe’ defense. Next, we turn to some historical great return men in Ohio State history.
Ted Ginn
Ted Ginn brought the opening kickoff in the 2007 National Championship game against the University of Florida to the house. It was all downhill from there in that game for Ohio State. Ginn is swift and has great vision. He is also a devastating wide receiver. He has had a long career in the National Football League. He currently plays for the Chicago Bears.
Jalin Marshall
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Jalin Marshall has had another long career in the National Football League. He played for the New York Jets for most of his career and currently plays for the Oakland Raiders. He was the last Ohio State Buckeye to return a kick or a punt for a touchdown. Marshall returned a punt for a touchdown in 2014.
Devin Smith
Devin Smith was a blazer for Ohio State in college and the New York Jets in the National Football League. His bright future was cut short when he severely hurt his knee after only one season in the NFL. He was then forced to retire.
Conclusion
Ohio State has talented special teams this year; the fact that the Buckeyes play many of their starters on special teams means they will likely score their first return touchdown since 2014. The talented Brandon Inness is expected to break the return drought in 2024.
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