Brian Hartline keeps on rolling, enhancing value every day at 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 Ohio State and Brian Hartline? Send it in right here — and check back daily for the answers.

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Believe it or not, there was a time not that long ago where the biggest question hanging over the head of Brian Hartline at the start of his coaching career was whether he would be able to recruit.

He definitely still bristles at the label of recruiter. But in two short years as a full-time staff member at Ohio State, Hartline has left no doubt about his ability to relate to prospects, build relationships and then develop talent when he gets his hands on it — which has catapulted him onto the short list of best assistants in the country.

Hartline is also among the top bargains in the nation. And while being a product of the program himself might give the Buckeyes something of a discount, at some point it’s probably going to take a hefty raise and maybe a new title to fend off the suitors that are inevitably going to line up for his services.

Coming off another Big Ten title and now with perhaps the most star-studded class of wide receivers Ohio State has ever signed, now is as good a time as any to lock Hartline up for as long as possible.

“College football is a crazy, crazy world,” Hartline said. “It’s only getting crazier. But it all comes back to purpose, in my opinion, and this isn’t about any other coaches out there. I have a strong passion for Ohio State. I’m from two hours from here, my wife is from Columbus, her family is here, my family is only two hours away, I have friends from high school who live here. I’m very passionate about Ohio State, and at this point, it’s really early. I don’t want to sound ignorant to the facts, but I don’t know what would get me out of this city, frankly — unless I’m just not good.

Ohio State wide receivers coach Brian Hartline doesn’t hide his affection for the Buckeyes. (Birm/Lettermen Row)

“Hopefully I can control that and keep getting better. But I think my passion lies in this receiver room. I love coaching the wide receivers. There are a lot of coaches who say they’ll never leave, and never is a long time. But being honest, realistically I don’t see a situation where hopefully I’m out of here any time soon. Hopefully I’m here for a long time and that I’ve earned it year in and year out.”

So far, there’s been no question at all about that after his first two seasons.

From helping take Terry McLaurin, Parris Campbell and Johnnie Dixon to the next level as seniors in Hartline’s first season to ensuring there wasn’t a drop-off a year later with K.J. Hill breaking school records, Chris Olave developing into a star and Garrett Wilson bursting on the scene as a true freshman, that’s just scratching the surface of his impact.

And now Hartline has established the foundation for the unit to potentially raise the standard with four new signees who all ranked among the top-13 wideouts in the nation — including the top player at the position in the country in five-star Julian Fleming.

None of that has gone unnoticed at Ohio State, of course. But it’s increasingly turning heads around the country, and there will certainly be offers coming to try to lure Hartline away from the Buckeyes.

That might be a tough sell no matter what given Hartline’s ties to Columbus. But it will be up to Ohio State to do its part soon to make it even harder.

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