What Do the Three Freshmen Receivers Bring to the OSU Offense?

Mike Gundy is expecting to play three freshman receivers in 2016. Of the four receiver positions listed on the latest released depth chart, three have true freshmen listed at No. 2 behind returning players. Those freshman are Dillon Stoner, Obi Obialo, and Tyrell Alexander.

Much like the group of running backs, who Mike Gundy said can bring different elements to the team, the freshmen group of receivers each brings a unique talent and skill set.

Stoner, the freshman from Jenks, is a burner who can play both inside and out. He’s slated at No. 2 behind Jalen McCleskey, and should see a significant amount of time. He has durability across the heart of the defense, and the grit to hang on in traffic. Of the three freshmen, he seems to be destined to get the most targets early on and is the most polished route runner of the bunch.

Obi Obialo, the surprise of fall camp and walk-on, has size at 6-foot-3. Where Dillon Stoner is more of a between the 20’s receiver, Obialo may excel inside the 20’s. With Marcell Ateman recovering from injury, Obialo could get his targets in the red zone. He has the leaping ability and obvious size to develop into a potential favorite for Mason Rudolph.

Perhaps the receiver with the biggest upside not getting attention is Tyrell Alexander, a 6-1 receiver who has arguably the most athleticism of the three. Alexander has a combination of the two traits Stoner and Obialo do best with good hands and good size for a receiver, and brings an added element of intrigue with his shiftiness. A dual threat QB in high school, Alexander has a track record of making defenders miss in space and has the wiggle to be a breakout star during his career at OSU.

Each brings an added element of skill that further bolsters the depth of the receiving corps. Although they won’t likely emerge as No. 1 receivers this year, each one brings a valuable trait or two that should be put to use this season and adds to the arsenal Mike Gundy and Mike Yurcich will find a way to use often in 2016.