Ohio State Football: 5 Buckeye Freshmen Who Could Start in 2012

Freshmen are nearly always underestimated on the football field, but the Ohio State Buckeyes aren't afraid to put their best 11 players out there.

Just look at last year: Quarterback Braxton Miller, receivers Verlon Reed and Devin Smith, running back Rod Smith, cornerback Bradley Roby, and linebacker Ryan Shazier all had major impacts on the gridiron.

Competition will be as stiff as usual, but there's always the chance that a few young guns could find their ways into a starting role with the team, if not be immediate contributors.

Here are five freshmen that could potentially start for the Buckeyes in 2012. 

5. Se'Von Pittman, DE

Ohio State owns arguably the most talented defensive line roster in the nation, which means that freshman Se'Von Pittman will have a difficult time battling for a starting position.

Especially with seniors Nathan Williams and John Simon anchoring each end of the line.

However, having such loaded depth is a blessing in such a run-oriented conference. Although he'll start further down the depth chart (No. 3 on the weak side behind Simon and sophomore Steve Miller), Pittman has the opportunity to flourish and earn his way to playing time.

Heck, who knows—maybe he'll even start a game come December. 

4. Nick Vannett, TE

Senior tight end Jake Stoneburner has his starting position locked up, and there's nothing anybody can do about it. Stoneburner's an incredible athlete that will stretch the field and wreak havoc in the new spread-option offense.

However, the new installment will require two-tight end sets in some situations, leaving the gate wide open for freshman Nick Vannett.

Sophomore Jeff Heuerman is making his case to play. But he was a Jim Tressel recruit, and his best strength comes from the three-point stance as a run blocker.

With Reid Fragel making the transition to offensive tackle, I would not be surprised to see Vannett take over as the No. 2 TE on the depth chart.

3. Bri'onte Dunn, RB

Like Ohio State's defensive line, OSU's running back position is stocked with talent and depth.

Senior Jordan Hall, whom new head coach Urban Meyer called his "top playmaker," is expected to be the starting RB in the newly implemented spread-option scheme. He'll be used as a passing threat more than anything, with his ability to carry the ball off-tackle being used here and there.

It's still undecided who will start in the Power-I formation. Junior tailback Carlos Hyde has been an early favorite of Meyer's, but he lacks the breakaway speed that would separate him from the rest of the pack.

Rod Smith is another gifted athlete at the position, but he did not perform the way he'd liked to have in 2011. He took 29 carries for 116 yards (4.0 YPC) and a touchdown, fumbling twice.

Freshman Bri'onte Dunn—the epitome of a bruising running back—has had an outstanding spring. He was a highly touted recruit and will be utilized from the get-go, very likely as the starter in power formations.

And if not, you can guarantee he'll still find his way onto the field. 

2. Jacoby Boren, C

Before surgery to repair his torn labrum, true freshman Jacoby Boren—little brother of fullback Zach Boren—was the leading candidate to replace Michael Brewster as the team's starting center.

However, since he's been out, junior Corey Linsley has surprisingly taken over the roll, showing great progression from last year. It seems as if he's locked down the starting spot, but there is still a lot of time between now and September.

Even if Boren doesn't win back his starting role, he's versatile enough to play either center or guard, so we could still easily see him on the field quite often. 

1. Michael Thomas, WR

If you didn't know who Michael Thomas was before the Buckeyes spring game, you do now.

The 6'2", 192-pound freshman wide receiver from Los Angeles exploded onto the college football scene with 12 receptions for 131 yards and was Braxton Miller's favorite target on the day.

Sophomore Evan Spencer was doing well in the new system, but when he injured his shoulder, it was Thomas that stepped up and caught Meyer's eye.

Thomas has taken his play to another level and has not missed a beat this spring. Expect him to get the nod at the flanker position this fall, with Devin Smith at split end and Corey "Philly" Brown in the slot. 

Follow this reporter on Twitter: @Tyler_Waddell