‘Hard-nosed’ newcomers and veterans bring big-play potential for Ohio at the wide receiver position
A new wide receiving corps is attempting to become the next leader in the Mid-American Conference.
The two most recognizable names among Ohio’s wide receivers are seniors Chase Cochran and Landon Smith, but with a pair of highly-touted recruiting classes at wide receiver over the past two years, there’s a crop of younger players who are bound to impress.
Redshirt freshman Brendan Cope has been the “next guy up” thus far, having started each of the first three games. He’s compiled a team-high 165 yards on eight receptions, including a 58-yard catch in the Bobcats’ first game against Kent State.
Out wide, Cope is joined by Jordan Reid, Herman Brunis, Sebastian Smith and Robbie Walker, who are all underclassmen competing to become the next go-to receiver. And they all believe that anyone can do it.
Cope said they have a rotation where it is possible for anyone to separate himself from the pack.
“We’re disciplined, hard-nosed; we play as a team, a unit. We don’t give up,” said Reid, a redshirt sophomore. “We all know that each and every one of us can go out there and make a play at any given time, so we’re always behind each other just like that.”
They say the wide receivers are a unique group, with a balance of veterans and newcomers looking to create a name for themselves.
However, they want to make their own mark on the program, rather than modeling their contributions after those of past players.
“I want to make our own legacy,” Reid said. “This receiving corps is going to be special, especially because we’re so young. I feel as though we have the potential to be something big in the next couple years.”
Wide receivers coach Dwayne Dixon says it’s the group’s approach of having something to prove that separates it from past groups of receivers
“There’s a hunger to show that they’re capable,” Dixon said. “Our passing scheme gives us the chance to have success as an offensive unit if we run, pass, block and do all the little things that can help our team have success. I think they’re seeing their opportunities and realizing that we don’t base it on whether they’re freshmen or seniors.”
Cope has learned from some of the best at Ohio, including Donte Foster and his former mentor Matt Waters. Cochran and Smith teach him every day in practice.
“Obviously the coaches teach you a lot through camp and all that, but you know they can only do so much when they’re teaching,” Cope said. “You need the older captains, the older leaders to teach you. Chase did a great job mentoring me.”
Reid had the chance to play and practice with former Ohio standouts LaVon Brazill and Foster — both of whom he admires.
“I looked up to Donte as a big brother. He was a great receiver. Anything he did, I tried to manipulate or at least put in my repertoire,” Reid said. “I look up to him, I want to be a receiver like him when I actually get to that level.”
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