Eric Boggs
Ohio State offensive coordinator Brian Hartline addressed the media earlier this week, shedding light on the Buckeyes’ approach to offensive development, player growth, and positional versatility. With the program’s high expectations, Hartline’s insights reinforce the team’s commitment to excellence and adaptability in the ever-evolving college football landscape.
Max Klare Brings Dynamic Versatility to Tight End
One of the most exciting additions to the Buckeye offense is tight end Max Klare, a highly productive receiving threat from Purdue. Hartline emphasized the significance of having a player like Klare who can create mismatches both in the passing and running games.
“To have someone that dynamic should ideally be a bonus,” Hartline said. “But right now, we’re not really over-focused on schematics per se. We’re trying to identify what these guys lack and improve those areas while enhancing what they already do well.”
Klare’s ability to play multiple roles will add another layer of depth to Ohio State’s offense, making it even more unpredictable for opposing defenses.
Balancing Roles as Offensive Coordinator and Wide Receivers Coach
While Hartline has taken on the offensive coordinator role, he remains deeply involved with Ohio State’s wide receivers. He credited the leadership in the receiver room for making his transition smoother, emphasizing that organization and preparation are key to maintaining balance.
“Coach [Keenan] Bailey is doing a great job helping me in that room,” Hartline said. “On the field, I’m trying to watch a lot of things. It’s definitely a balancing act, but as long as I can keep self-assessing, I think our goals can be accomplished.”
With top-tier talent at the receiver position, including veterans and promising freshmen, Ohio State’s passing attack remains one of the most formidable in the country.
Running Back Depth Will Be Key
Ohio State’s success last season was aided by a deep running back rotation that allowed the team to stay fresh late into the year. Hartline emphasized that maintaining that depth will be just as critical this season.
“Having depth at that position is really critical,” he noted. “It’s a longer season now, more like the NFL, so keeping guys healthy and having players who can step up when needed is huge.”
While the primary workload may be split between two backs, Hartline didn’t rule out the possibility of a third player emerging to take on a larger role.
Leadership Growth Among Key Players
Hartline also praised the development of players like Jeremiah Smith, who has grown into a more vocal leader on the team. Smith, originally more of a lead-by-example player, has started to take on a larger role in mentoring his teammates.
“He’s speaking more in the room,” Hartline said. “His football IQ is growing, and we’re all trying to get him out of his comfort zone so he can make an impact on his peers from a communication standpoint.”
With veteran leadership at key positions, Ohio State is shaping up to be a well-rounded and mentally strong team heading into the 2024 season.
Quarterback Competition Heating Up
Perhaps the biggest question for the Buckeyes this offseason is the quarterback battle. Hartline shared that while all three contenders are still developing, they’ve already shown impressive growth in spring camp.
“They’re working to try to control the controllables,” he said. “We’ve already seen improvements from day one, and they’re putting in extra time to be prepared for practice.”
While no frontrunner has been named, it’s clear that Ohio State’s next starting quarterback will be battle-tested by the time the season kicks off.
Looking Ahead
With Hartline leading the charge on offense, Ohio State fans have plenty to be excited about. His emphasis on player development, positional flexibility, and long-term success speaks to the Buckeyes’ championship aspirations. As spring practice continues, all eyes will be on the offense as they fine-tune their approach for another run at the College Football Playoff.
