Buckeyes place elite wideout on Paul Hornung watch list
COLUMBUS — Garrett Wilson put his skills on display in late March.
The Ohio State wide receiver was on the receiving end on a number of throws during Justin Fields’ Pro Day. In front of NFL coaches and scouts, he showed why he is one of the top wideouts in the nation. The junior can get a foot down in the back of the end zone or make acrobatic catches in the middle of the field.
His versatility makes him different, it makes him productive. Wilson reeled in 43 catches in just seven games in 20202. His talent is why Justin Fields turned to him often over last two seasons and why he’s a potential first-round pick next spring.
And it is why he landed on the watch list for the Paul Hornung Award preseason watch list on Thursday morning. Presented by the Louisville Sports Commission, the award is presented to the most versatile player in major college football.
Wilson is already dominating 2022 NFL mock drafts. But first for the receiver is making it through his junior year at Ohio State. Whether that is pulling down touchdowns in the passing game or returning punts, Wilson’s athleticism will be making an impact.
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“Just to show your ability a year early in front of those scouts — it’s something I definitely didn’t take for granted,” Wilson said this spring. “Being able to get that opportunity, I was super nervous for it. So, to get those nerves out of the way and know what I’m getting myself into whenever that time comes for me to have my own Pro Day, it was definitely a good experience.â€
Garrett Wilson should be a superstar for the Buckeyes this fall. (Birm/Lettermen Row)
Ohio State will be breaking in a new quarterback this fall. But the guy will be throwing to Wilson and Chris Olave, the top wide receiver duo in the nation. Both have the potential to be picked in the opening round of next year’s draft. That would put them with Ted Ginn Jr. and Anthony Gonzalez as the only other Ohio State receiver duo to have their names called in the first round.
Garrett Wilson has a chance to leave Ohio State as one of the top wideouts in the school history. He will do that by being a versatile and athletic weapon in the Buckeyes offense. And it’s why he is an early favorite to win the Paul Hornung Award.
