Eric Boggs
As an Ohio State fan, it’s always a proud moment to see our former Buckeyes showing true character and class, especially when faced with challenging situations. One such example is Marvin Harrison Jr., a standout wide receiver who recently demonstrated his integrity during an episode of HBO’s Hard Knocks.
In this episode, the New York Giants’ coaching staff, including wide receivers coach Mike Groh, evaluated Harrison at the NFL Combine. They watched clips of some inaccurate throws from Kyle McCord, Harrison’s former quarterback at Ohio State. This seemed like an easy opportunity for Harrison to criticize McCord, especially when Groh asked him what he would have told his quarterback in the huddle about those bad passes.
However, Harrison chose to take the high road. Despite the situation, he refused to blame McCord. Instead, he said that he doesn’t say anything to quarterbacks after a miss, showing his commitment to being a team player. Even when Groh bluntly called one of the throws a “bad throw,” Harrison tried to take the blame himself, emphasizing his desire to make the play regardless of the pass’s quality.
Harrison’s performance at Ohio State speaks volumes about his talent and consistency. In 2022, with C.J. Stroud as the starting QB, Harrison recorded 1,263 receiving yards and 14 touchdowns. The following year, with McCord as the quarterback, he posted 1,211 receiving yards and another 14 touchdowns. His efforts made him the most prolific receiver in Ohio State’s history over a two-year span, with 2,474 receiving yards and 28 touchdowns. He also became the only player in Big Ten history to achieve 14 receiving touchdowns in multiple seasons.
As a Buckeyes fan, it’s fantastic to see Harrison not only excel on the field but also handle off-field situations with such poise. He’s now set to continue his journey with the Arizona Cardinals, catching passes from two-time Pro Bowler Kyler Murray, starting in the 2024 NFL season.
Meanwhile, the Giants, who were also impressed with Harrison, decided to select LSU wideout Malik Nabers at No. 6 overall after Harrison was picked by the Cardinals at No. 4. Episode two of Hard Knocks highlighted how reserved Nabers was in his interview, but his performance on the field in 2023 convinced the Giants’ brass of his potential.
Harrison’s ability to maintain his professionalism and support his teammates, even when it might have been easier to do otherwise, is a testament to his character and the values instilled in him during his time at Ohio State. It’s moments like these that make us proud to be Buckeyes, knowing that our players carry their class and commitment with them, no matter where their careers take them.
