Ohio State Football Rankings: DeVier Posey and the Top Buckeye Receivers

I previewed Ohio State's running backs last week, now it's time to take a look at how DeVier Posey and the Buckeye receivers will fair during the 2011 season.

It's well known that DeVier Posey is Ohio State's star wideout, but outside of Posey—the Buckeyes are loaded with young, unproven receivers. That's not to say this new crop of receivers won't be good—in fact, I think they could prove to be great.

Ohio State, on paper, possess an elite mix of speed and size at the receiving position, with guys that can get open deep, or make a play in the middle.

This is about as hard a group of receivers in the country to rank, as Ohio State is about nine players deep at receiver and they're all capable of beating the player out in front of them.

This was a tough list to compile because of that fact, but I feel strongly that these five guys will have the most production by seasons end. 

6. Jordan Hall

2010 Stats: 8 receptions, 83 yards, 1 touchdown

2011 Prediction: 19 receptions, 195 yards, 1 touchdown

Jordan Hall was recruited and played as a running back during his first two years at Ohio State, but it has been reported by multiple sources that Hall has been moved to receiver.

This is a good move for the Buckeyes and Jordan Hall. Jordan Hall is a shifty playmaker and anyway he can be more utilized in the Buckeye offense is a good thing.

Whether is running or receiving, Jordan Hall will have his share of highlights this season.  

5. Chris Fields

2010 Stats: 3 receptions, 22 yards, 0 touchdowns

2011 Prediction: 22 receptions, 250 yards, 2 touchdowns

Chris Fields saw very limited action during his freshman year in 2010, but he will play a more consistent role in the Buckeye's passing game in 2011. 

Fields is a lot like Corey Brown, and one of the two will need to emerge as a legitimate threat during the first five games of the season with Devier Posey out. 

4. T.Y. Williams

2010 Stats: N/A

2011 Prediction: 34 receptions, 440 yards, 5 touchdowns

T.Y. Williams could be the most intriguing of all the Ohio State wide receivers. Williams stands 6'5'' and at 220 pounds he has the ability to battle it out for a jump ball—and win. 

Williams should be the Buckeye's go to possession receiver though the first five games with Posey out, and though Posey's return will cut into Williams opportunities—T.Y. will still make his presence felt.

3. Corey Brown

2010 Stats: 8 receptions, 109 yards, 1 touchdown

2011 Prediction: 34 receptions, 460 yards, 4 touchdowns

Corey Brown showed his ability to get open behind defensive secondaries, the problem was he had trouble bringing the ball in once he got open. Brown had some costly drops for the Buckeyes during his freshman year, but he should be a more confident catches heading into his sophomore campaign.

Corey Brown has the speed to make a 10-yard slant a 50-yard touchdown pass; and as long as he doesn't have trouble catching the ball—Brown could be a home run threat for the Buckeyes in 2011.  

2. Jake Stoneburner

2010 Stats: 21 receptions, 221 yards, 2 touchdowns

2011 Prediction: 49 receptions, 495 yards, 8 touchdowns

Jake Stoneburner should prove to be a matchup nightmare for opposing teams during his junior season. 

Stoneburner is one of the top pure catching tight ends in the nation, and at 6'5'' 245 pounds, Stoneburner has the ability to lineup at either tight end or wideout.

Ohio State is not known for using its tight ends, but I fully expect Stoneburner to be a focal point of the offense. With an inexperienced quarterback likely leading the offense, a player like Stoneburner who can get open in the middle will go a long way in building confidence for the young Braxton Miller.

Tight end Reid Fragel also deserves mention here. Although he only caught two balls over the final six games of 2010, he's a big target at 6'8'' and he should provide some big plays in 2011. 

1. Devier Posey

2010 Stats: 53 receptions, 848 yards, 7 touchdowns

2011 Prediction: 40 receptions, 650 yards, 5 touchdowns

If Devier Posey were not suspended for the first five games of the season, a 1000-yard season would be in the works. As it is, Posey is still the most talented and proven receiver on the Ohio State roster and his big-time playmaking ability will be key during conference play. 

Posey could have opted for the NFL after the completion of the 2010 season, so Buckeye fans have to be happy they will still get to see No. 8 catching balls for Ohio State next year—even if it is just for seven regular season games.

Better some then none, and Posey will be out to make a statement when he returns week six against Nebraska.