Austin Mack is prime bounce-back candidate for Ohio State
The speculation, debate and conversations about Ohio State never end, and Lettermen Row is always ready to dive into the discussions. All week long, senior writer Austin Ward will field topics about the Buckeyes submitted by readers and break down anything that’s on the minds of the Best Damn Fans in the Land. Have a question that needs to be tackled, like the one today about Austin Mack as part of Wide Receiver Week? Send it in right here — and check back daily for the answers.
How is @Austin_Mack10 feeling? Since being out so much of last season? Is he ready to be a leader for #TheOhioStateBuckeyes
— Niki strapp (@strapp_niki) May 28, 2019
Even on a unit overflowing with talent and with three seniors leading the way, the wide receiver that generated the most buzz heading into last season was still Austin Mack. He was the guy with the best all-around set of skills, a chemistry with the Ohio State quarterback and all the momentum after a strong finish to his sophomore season the hinted at the potential ready to be unleashed.
To call Mack’s junior campaign a challenge would be an understatement, and the disappointment admittedly took some time for him to get over after a foot injury added to problems with drops that slowed down the normally sure-handed target occasionally.
But if anybody on the Buckeyes roster has the mental strength and attitude to battle back after that experience, Mack might just be at the top of the list.
“Shoot, it was definitely tough last season for me,†Mack said during spring camp. “Watching games on TV at home and not being out there with the guys, it was definitely hard for me.
“I’m finally back. The first couple days were a little rough getting back to it, but I’m just trying to get back to the feel of everything and it’s fun playing football again.â€
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Ohio State wide receiver Austin Mack remains a popular figure with the Buckeyes. (Birm/Lettermen Row)
That enjoyment was clear during practices in March and April as Mack again looked sharp with his route-running, strong hands and a clean bill of health. The senior had actually started making a bit of progress during workouts at the Rose Bowl with light drills on the side. But those didn’t do much to get the bad taste out of his mouth from the high-profile missteps against TCU or erase the memory of the pain in his foot during the dreadful loss at Purdue.
Mack only needed two practices this spring, though, to start looking like the guy who generated all that buzz about his future in the first place with a couple eye-popping grabs in the Woody Hayes Athletic Center. And embracing a leadership role has always been a natural fit for Mack, which makes him absolutely critical for wide receivers coach Brian Hartline heading into his second year in charge of the position.
“When the going is easy, it’s easy, right?†Hartline said. “To me, real leaders, really good players, real men handle adversity well. That’s what separates them, and I think Austin has done a really good job with that. I think he’s moved forward, I’m not really concerned about any kind of woes he’s had — I think he’s going to be great.â€
That expectation has never changed at Ohio State with Austin Mack, even with the setbacks. And right now, all the signs point to the senior being ready to live up to the high standard and become the player the program has long envisioned.
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