It has been awhile since Ohio State had a game-breaking return man.
One could nominate Ted Ginn Jr. as the last fearsome returner Jim Tressel sent out to field kicks and punts. For the last few years, the enigmatic Ray Small delivered flashes of brilliance, but his career was more defined by off-the-field issues. However, OSU may have finally found its man.
Corey Brown, a 6-foot tall, 180-pound recruit from Cardinal O’Hara High School in Springfield, Pa., is known for his speed and, like Ginn Jr., is a high school track star. Brown is an All-American sprinter who holds the Delaware County 200-meter record. He used that speed to become a gifted return man on the football field, an ability that could lead to early playing time, says Steve Helwagen of Bucknuts.com
“I think he can potentially return some kicks and punts. Those positions are pretty much wide open,” Helwagen said. “[OSU] lost Lamaar Thomas who was their main kick returner and now DeVier Posey is [the kick returner] by default. I think Ohio State is looking for that game-changer and Brown is another guy in that mix.”
The Under Armour All-American Game participant succeeded at multiple positions in high school, including seeing extensive time at running back. In spite of his success in the backfield, Helwagen envisions Brown switching to another position once he arrives in Columbus.
“He’s a guy that can go in a lot of different directions, but I think he’ll start out at wide receiver,” Helwagen said. “Ohio State is really deep at wide receiver, so he’s going to really have to do well over the summer and do some big things. However, if there’s a position where you can [gain early playing time], it is wide receiver.”
Brown did plenty of big things in high school. He was two-time All-State, three-time All-Philadelphia Catholic League and was named to the Philadelphia Daily News PCL All-Decade team. Furthermore, for his career, Brown had 3,000 yards rushing, 1,500 yards receiving and scored 50 touchdowns.
Helwagen sees Brown settling in as a slot receiver, maybe even eventually as the team’s featured pass catcher. Nevertheless, the key for OSU is to get the ball in Brown’s hands and let him make something happen.
“You envision him as a flanker or slot guy so he uses that speed to get off the ball quick and create separation on a deep pass or an underneath route,” Helwagen says. “You’ve got to get him the ball in space and let him [use his skills].”
One thing Brown may have to acquire once practice starts is a nickname, as OSU has another Corey Brown on the roster. However, the Monroeville, Pa. native is a redshirt freshman cornerback, so as long as the incoming Brown stays on the offensive side of the ball, he should be safe.
