For the last three years Ohio State has had the luxury of an elite tight end presence. Despite being underutilized Jeremy Ruckert has been one of the most consistent safety blankets in the country for the Buckeyes. Without Ruckert the tight end room will be in search of an alpha in 2022. Let’s take a look at some of the names that could potentially breakout next season.

Gee Scott Jr.

Easily the most natural receiver in this room. Gee Scott Jr. has transformed himself into a true tight end after initially being recruited as a wide receiver. In 2022 Scott Jr. flashed recording five catches for 42 yards. Surely Ryan Day will find ways to exploit his raw athleticism against slower Big Ten defenders. The biggest question Scott Jr. faces is his blocking ability. If Scott Jr. can continue to get bigger and improve upon his blocking in the off-season then Ohio State might have an elite tight end prospect on their hands.

Cade Stover

The big question: which position will Stover play? In 2021 Cade Stover saw time at both tight end and linebacker. It seems probable that Stover could see action on both sides of the ball again in 2022 as he was a four-star linebacker recruit. Stover’s blocking ability is his biggest strength as he is not afraid to mix it up in the trenches. Additionally, he showed some receiving ability recording five catches for 76 yards in 2021. Expect him to make an impact in short yardage situations at the very least. Ryan Day will find a way to utilize Stover’s grit on offense, defense, and special teams. He will be an unsung hero for this team next season.

Joe Royer

Joe Royer is an interesting player as he has all the tools to be a good tight end for this program. At 6′ 5″, 240 lbs the former three-star recruit from Cincinnati has the body of a tight end. He shows natural receiving ability and also blocks well. He recorded one catch for nine yards in 2021. He also scored a touchdown in the spring game. Royer is a player who could make a big jump in 2022 if he puts in the work.

Kyle McCord to Joe Royer for the score! pic.twitter.com/9wc4WGRErI

— The Victory Bell (@VictoryBellOSU) April 17, 2021

Mitch Rossi

It is still questionable if Mitch Rossi will return in 2022 as he has a big decision to make. Rossi is more of a fullback, however, he did play snaps at tight end. Rossi excels at blocking and showed to be a capable receiver. In 2021, Rossi recorded four catches for 28 yards and one touchdown. His return would give this room a huge leadership boost.

MITCH ROSSI TOUCHDOWN! #GoBucks pic.twitter.com/y9o1aoi6Z6

— THE Bunch of Nuts Podcast (@bunch_nuts) October 2, 2021

Bennett Christian

The four-star tight end recruit from Acworth, GA has the potential to be a monster. At 6’6, 235lbs  Bennett Christian arrives on campus already physically ready to play. The question is can he grasp the playbook fast enough to make an impact in 2022? Even if he does not make an enormous impact this season expect him to flash in 2023 and beyond.

In conclusion many questions will remain for this position group going into 2022. There is plenty of talent, but someone will need to step up and become the leader of this group. The good news is Kevin Wilson is one of the better coaches on the Ohio State staff and surely has a plan for this room.