Ohio State Football: Could Dontre Wilson Be Difference-Maker Against Oregon?

At this time two years ago, Dontre Wilson was a 4-star recruit who was verbally committed to play his college football at Oregon.

Fast forward to current day, though, and Wilson is set to line up with Ohio State in a highly anticipated showdown against the Ducks in the national championship.

The dangerous all-purpose back out of DeSoto, Texas, flipped his commitment to the Buckeyes when Chip Kelly left Oregon for the Philadelphia Eagles in January 2013. Wilson instantly became a contributor in Columbus, registering 460 total yards and three touchdowns during his freshman season.

But with Braxton Miller and Carlos Hyde forming one of college football's most dangerous backfields, Wilson's primary role was to serve as a decoy last year. This season, with Hyde gone and four new offensive linemen up front, the Buckeyes wanted to feature their bevy of playmakers on the perimeter—led by Wilson.

Ohio State certainly went to the air more frequently, but Wilson didn't have the breakout season many expected. The sophomore blazer accounted for 400 total yards (300 receiving, 100 rushing) and three touchdowns before breaking his foot against Michigan State—an injury that sidelined him for Ohio State's next five games.

Carlos Osorio/Associated Press

According to Ari Wasserman of The Plain Dealer, Wilson was a game-time decision against Alabama—he was hoping to see the field as a returner at the very least—but the coaching staff decided to give him some additional time to heal.

With 11 more days to recover, Wilson is certain he'll be back in the fold when the Buckeyes travel to his home state to play the team he was formally committed to for a national title.

When asked about his chances of playing against Oregon, Wilson said, via Wasserman, "100 out of 100. I'm back. I'm back." 

Will Wilson be healthy enough to make an impact against the Ducks?

The week-and-a-half he has to prepare will be pivotal. He'll need to learn the new plays and formations Ohio State has installed for Cardale Jones, and he'll need to get back into game shape after missing eight weeks of practice reps.

"It's going to give me a lot of time to get back in shape and learn the new plays we put in and come out in Jerry's World and go as hard as I can," Wilson said of the time leading up to the title game, via Wasserman.

If he's able to do that, Wilson will be one more weapon Ohio State can add to its already explosive offense. And to his credit, he's chomping at the bit to get a shot at the team he almost joined back in 2013.

"It seems like a dream, it's like a story," Wilson said, per Wasserman. "I could [write a] book if we go to Dallas and handle our business."

All recruiting information via 247Sports. All stats via NCAA.com and B/R research.

David Regimbal covers Ohio State football for Bleacher Report. Follow him on Twitter @davidreg412.