OSU Football: Comparing Corey 'Philly' Brown to Former Buckeye WR Ted Ginn Jr.

Since the Ohio State football program was established way back in the year of 1890, a lot of exciting players have been given the privilege to call themselves “Buckeyes.” A preliminary glance at all of the success that the prestigious program has had in its 123-year history is enough evidence to suggest that in itself.  

While there have been a stupendous amount of talented players over the years, only a handful have really stood out as “exciting.”

Since the turn of the century, guys like Maurice Clarrett, Troy Smith, Chris “Beanie” Wells, Terrelle Pryor, Ted Ginn Jr. and Braxton Miller fit that billing quite well. During the 2012 season, a man named Corey—or “Philly”—Brown showed glimpses of such excitement.

Whether Brown was used to carry the rock, run routes to receive passes or carry out the kickoff and punt returning duties, he was liable to make a big play whenever he got his hands on the football.

Does this remind you of anyone in particular? Perhaps a guy like Percy Harvin or another wide receiver that you could call a “triple-threat” guy?

Here’s how Philly Brown’s numbers compare to former Ohio State receiver Ted Ginn Jr‘s in in their junior seasons:

Ginn (2006): 59 receptions, 781 yards (13.4 AVG), 6 TDs, 3 carries, 17 yards (7.6 AVG), 0 TD

Brown (2012): 60 receptions, 669 yards (11.2 AVG), 3 TDs; 11 carries, 96 yards (8.7 AVG), 1 TD

Sure Ginn had more receiving yards, more yards per catch and more touchdowns than Brown did in 2012, but keep in mind the fact that he also had a Heisman-winning senior quarterback in Troy Smith throwing balls in his direction.

Here’s the difference in the passing numbers of Troy Smith in 2006 and Braxton Miller in 2012.

Smith: 203/311 (65.3%), 2,542 yards (8.17 yards per attempt), 30 TDs, 6 INTs, and a 161.9 QB rating

Miller: 148/254 (58.3%), 2,039 yards (8.03 yards per attempt), 15 TDs, 6 INTs, and a 140.5 QB rating

As young Miller continues to mature as a quarterback Brown’s statistics will only improve as well. More repetitions will help Miller do just that. After all, while only throwing the ball 157 times in his freshman year he completed just 54.1% of his passes. With more repetitions as a sophomore (throwing the ball 254 times) Miller’s completion percentage increased by 4.7%. 

Despite the differences in each one of the players mentioned above, however, at the end of the day they can all brag about the same thing. That is, they had the privilege to put on that scarlet and gray! I can’t wait to see the combination of Philly Brown, Braxton Miller, and a the type of talented players that Ohio State produce year after year in this upcoming season!

Go bless and GO BUCKS!!!