J.D. Pickell: Ohio State WR commit Noah Rogers stands out on the field

Three of the best wide receivers in the 2023 recruiting class are committed to Ohio State. They include Rolesville (N.C.) wideout Noah Rogers, Miami Gardens (Fla.) American Heritage wideout Brandon Inniss and Chicago (Ill.) IMG Academy wideout Carnell Tate. Of the group, Rogers was the only one given five-star status in the latest iteration of the On300 Rankings.

Rogers rose to No. 17 from No. 42 on the list. During a July 18 episode of The Hard Count with J.D. Pickell, Pickell discussed one of the reasons why Rogers climbed in the rankings.

“He shined at the OT7,” Pickell said. “That was one of the things that solidified him as a five-star. (He) was obviously one of the top receivers at the event and the event that was again, loaded with talent.”

Following OT7, On3 Director of Scouting and Rankings Charles Power wrote that Rogers “probably scored the most full-field touchdowns at OT7.”

“Rogers was primarily used as a deep threat for the Carolina Stars and got vertical on defensive backs on numerous occasions,” Power continued in his article about the showcase’s top performers. “We didn’t see much of a varied route tree from the 6-foot-2, 195-pounder, but the play speed was readily apparent.”

Power also told Pickell that Rogers “was smoking (defensive backs)” on the field. Pickell added that he thinks Rogers has a strong combination of speed and size. Last season, Rogers had 1,430 receiving yards and 22 touchdowns. He also averaged 20.5 yards per catch.

Rogers, ranked as the No. 3 wide receiver and the No. 1 player in North Carolina in the On300, committed to the Buckeyes after Inniss and Tate. He chose Ohio State over programs including Clemson, North Carolina and North Carolina State.

Pickell said the “most fascinating note” Power told him is that because of Rogers’ On300 ranking, he is now the highest-ranked receiver in the Buckeyes’ 2023 recruiting class.

“That’s a class with Brandon Inniss. That’s a class with Carnell Tate,” Pickell said. “To say Noah Rogers is the best receiver of that group should tell you all you need to know, Buckeye fans, about your new five-star.”