Troy Aikman, Joe Buck rave about Brian Hartline's ability to develop NFL-caliber receivers

Ohio State offensive coordinator Brian Hartline got a shoutout on ESPN’s Monday Night Football broadcast of the preseason game between the Washington Commanders and Baltimore Ravens.

In the second quarter, Troy Aikman and Joe Buck raved about Hartline’s ability to develop receivers for the NFL. The broadcast showed a graphic of Terry McLaurin, Chris Olave, Garrett Wilson and Jaxon Smith-Njigba, all of whom played under Hartline in Columbus before going on to star in the pros.

“Look at this list of young stars in the NFL,” Buck said. “All coached at Ohio State by Brian Hartline. He is making a difference at that level and then at the next.”

Kudos to @brianhartline for developing these amazing WRs@TerryMclaurin__ @chrisolave_ @GarrettWilson_V @jaxon_smith1 @OhioStateFB where WRs go to secure their NFL future pic.twitter.com/7QklMdxFYr

— BucksFan82 (@Ashish_Parekh82) August 22, 2023

Aikman went on to praise the route-running ability of the Buckeyes receivers, saying there is a noticeable difference between how prepared they are compared to players from other programs. He also highlighted the next great receiver expected to come out of Ohio State, Marvin Harrison Jr.

“It’s noticeable. You know me. I’m tough on wide receivers and how they run routes,” Aikman said. “These young guys when you watch ’em and you see what they’re able to do and you look down and see where they went to college, invariably it was Ohio State. He’s got another good one this year that’s gonna be a top pick next year in Marvin Harrison Jr., who’s gotten to learn a thing or two from his dad.”

A former Ohio State receiver himself, Brian Hartline returned to Columbus following a seven-year career in the NFL. He joined the staff in 2017 as an offensive quality control assistant before being promoted to receivers coach in 2018. Under his watch, Olave, Wilson, Smith-Njigba and Harrison have all become All-Americans.

All three of Olave, Wilson and Smith-Njigba ended up being first-round picks, with the latter going to the Seattle Seahawks at No. 20 overall this offseason. McLaurin was a third-round selection in 2019 and has since posted three straight 1,000-yard seasons and was named a Pro Bowler this past year.

Likewise, Olave and Wilson both posted 1,000-yard seasons as rookies in 2022. Wilson was even named Offensive Rookie of the Year after leading the Jets with 83 catches for 1,103 yards and four touchdowns.

Hartline was promoted to offensive coordinator this offseason after Kevin Wilson left to become the head coach at Tulsa. He’ll still maintain his role as wide receivers coach, where he’ll again work with two of the best pass catchers in Harrison and Emeka Egbuka.