2021 Ohio State Football Roster: Players, Stats, And More

Hey Buckeyes fans, are you ready to take a trip down memory lane? Let's rewind to the 2021 Ohio State football season and dive deep into the roster that took the field. This was a year filled with both incredible highs and some head-scratching moments, and the players on the roster were at the heart of it all. We're going to break down the key players, the position groups, and some of the memorable moments from that season. So, grab your scarlet and gray gear, and let's get started!

Quarterbacks: The Leaders of the Offense

First up, let's talk about the quarterbacks. The signal-callers are the generals on the field, and in 2021, the Buckeyes had some serious talent leading the offense. The main man under center was C.J. Stroud. A redshirt freshman, Stroud took the reins of the offense and quickly established himself as a rising star. He possessed a strong arm, impressive accuracy, and the ability to make plays both inside and outside the pocket. That season, Stroud threw for over 4,400 yards and 44 touchdowns, numbers that showcased his immense potential and placed him among the nation's elite quarterbacks. Beside Stroud, Jack Miller III and Kyle McCord were also on the roster, providing valuable depth and competition in the quarterback room. While they didn't see as much action as Stroud, their presence ensured that the team was prepared for any situation. The quarterback position is arguably the most crucial in football, and Ohio State was fortunate to have such a talented group leading the charge in 2021. Their leadership and performance were instrumental in the team's offensive success. The way Stroud developed throughout the season was also a testament to the coaching staff's ability to nurture young talent and prepare them for the challenges of college football. It wasn't always smooth sailing, but Stroud's resilience and determination to improve each week were key aspects of his journey.

Notable Quarterback Performances

C.J. Stroud's performance against Michigan State was a standout moment. He torched the Spartans' defense, throwing for a remarkable 432 yards and 6 touchdowns. This performance highlighted his ability to stay composed under pressure and deliver in crucial moments. Another memorable game was the Rose Bowl against Utah, where Stroud showcased his talent on the national stage. Even though the Buckeyes' defense struggled at times, Stroud led the offense in a back-and-forth battle, throwing for over 500 yards and six touchdowns. These performances cemented his status as a top quarterback in college football and set the stage for an even more exciting future.

Running Backs: The Ground Attack

Next, let's move on to the running backs. The ground game is the backbone of any successful offense, and in 2021, the Buckeyes had a talented stable of backs. Leading the charge was TreVeyon Henderson, a true freshman who quickly made a name for himself. With his speed, agility, and power, Henderson was a force to be reckoned with. He rushed for over 1,200 yards and 15 touchdowns, proving to be a reliable and explosive playmaker. Supporting Henderson were experienced backs like Master Teague III and Miyan Williams. These players brought a different style to the game. Teague was known for his power and ability to run between the tackles, while Williams' toughness and determination made him an invaluable asset. The combination of these running backs gave the Buckeyes a diverse and potent ground attack. They could pound the ball, break tackles, and provide a threat that kept defenses on their toes. The running backs' ability to pick up key first downs and wear down opposing defenses was a crucial part of the team's strategy. Their hard work and dedication to the game were evident in every snap.

Running Back Highlights

TreVeyon Henderson's performance against Tulsa was a highlight. He broke free for a long touchdown run, demonstrating his speed and explosiveness. His impact was felt throughout the season. Master Teague's contributions, especially in short-yardage situations, were also essential. He consistently delivered when the Buckeyes needed a tough yard or a crucial first down. Miyan Williams' ability to fight through contact and gain extra yards made him a valuable asset in the offense, and his performances in crucial games often made the difference.

Wide Receivers: Pass Catchers

Now, let's talk about the wide receivers. The wide receiver corps is often the heart of the passing attack, and in 2021, the Buckeyes had a stellar group of pass catchers. This unit was one of the best in the nation, known for their speed, hands, and ability to create separation. Chris Olave and Garrett Wilson were the stars of the show. Olave, a veteran receiver, was known for his exceptional route-running and reliable hands, and Wilson possessed incredible speed and agility, making him a threat to score every time he touched the ball. Both receivers were projected to be drafted in the first round of the 2022 NFL draft. Supporting them were talented players like Jaxon Smith-Njigba, who quickly emerged as a key contributor. The receivers were a nightmare for opposing defensive backs, and their ability to make contested catches and create big plays was a huge asset to the Buckeyes' offense. Their impact on the game went beyond the numbers. Their work ethic and dedication inspired the entire team, and their ability to make clutch catches in crucial moments showcased their resilience. The connection between the quarterbacks and wide receivers was key to the team's offensive success. They spent countless hours practicing and perfecting their timing and routes, resulting in a cohesive and dynamic offensive unit.

Wide Receiver Performances to Remember

One of the most memorable performances from this group was the Rose Bowl game against Utah. Jaxon Smith-Njigba had a record-breaking performance, catching 15 passes for 347 yards and 3 touchdowns. His ability to find open space and make incredible catches was on full display. The consistency and excellence of both Chris Olave and Garrett Wilson throughout the season were also remarkable. Their ability to catch deep passes and make key plays in crucial games was fundamental to the Buckeyes' success. These performances cemented their place as some of the best wide receivers in college football and helped propel the Buckeyes to a memorable season.

Offensive Line: Protecting the Quarterback

The offensive line is the unsung hero of any football team. They are responsible for protecting the quarterback and opening up running lanes for the running backs. In 2021, the Buckeyes had a solid offensive line that provided protection and paved the way for the offense's success. This unit was led by experienced players who understood the importance of teamwork and communication. They worked tirelessly to ensure that the quarterbacks had time to throw and the running backs had space to run. Their physicality and determination were essential to the team's success. The offensive line's ability to create running lanes and protect the quarterback allowed the offense to move the ball effectively and score points. They rarely got the headlines, but their contributions were invaluable to the team's performance. The offensive line's efforts set the tone for the entire team, and their impact on the game was felt on every play.

Offensive Line Highlights

While the offensive line's work often goes unnoticed, there were moments when their dominance was on full display. In games where the running game was particularly effective, their blocking was a key factor. Their ability to open up running lanes and provide protection for the quarterback allowed the Buckeyes to control the line of scrimmage and dictate the tempo of the game. They played a crucial role in the team's success throughout the season.

Defensive Line: Stopping the Run

Let's switch gears and talk about the defensive line. The defensive line is responsible for stopping the run and putting pressure on the opposing quarterback. In 2021, the Buckeyes had a formidable defensive line, featuring talented players who could disrupt the opposing offense. They worked tirelessly to penetrate the offensive line, make tackles, and sack the quarterback. Their athleticism and determination were critical to the team's defensive success. The defensive line's ability to stop the run and generate pressure on the quarterback allowed the Buckeyes to control the line of scrimmage and force turnovers. They were a constant threat to the opposing offense and played a crucial role in the team's success. Their contributions were often overlooked, but their impact on the game was undeniable.

Defensive Line Standouts

Haskell Garrett was a standout player on the defensive line, consistently making plays and disrupting the opposing offense. His leadership and consistent performance helped to set the tone for the entire defense. The defensive line was a unit that played with a lot of energy and enthusiasm. Their ability to get after the quarterback and stop the run was fundamental to their success.

Linebackers: Tackling Machines

The linebackers are the heart of the defense. They are responsible for making tackles, stopping the run, and covering receivers. In 2021, the Buckeyes had a talented group of linebackers who were always around the ball. These players were known for their athleticism, instincts, and ability to make plays. Their speed and aggressiveness allowed them to make tackles all over the field, disrupting the opposing offense and forcing turnovers. The linebackers' ability to read plays and react quickly was essential to the team's defensive success. They were the team's leading tacklers and consistently made plays that shifted momentum. Their efforts made them an integral part of the team's defensive strategy. Their impact on the game was felt on every snap, and their contributions were crucial to the team's overall success.

Notable Linebacker Performances

Linebackers consistently made plays, providing the team with much-needed tackles and stops. Their ability to read plays and react quickly was key to their success. Throughout the season, the linebackers delivered consistent performances and made plays in crucial moments. These individual performances and team efforts combined to create a strong defensive unit.

Defensive Backs: Protecting the Pass

Lastly, let's talk about the defensive backs. The defensive backs are responsible for covering receivers and preventing big plays. In 2021, the Buckeyes had a talented group of defensive backs who were up to the task. They were known for their speed, agility, and ability to defend against the pass. Their ability to disrupt the opposing offense and force turnovers was essential to the team's success. The defensive backs worked tirelessly to develop their skills and improve their understanding of the game. The unit's ability to create turnovers and make crucial defensive plays was key to the team's overall strategy. They were a constant threat to opposing offenses and played an important role in the team's success.

Key Defensive Back Performances

The defensive backs' performances were highlighted by their ability to make interceptions and break up passes. Their speed and agility allowed them to defend against the pass, disrupting opposing offenses. Their contributions were crucial to the team's success. Their ability to make plays and force turnovers was key to their overall performance.

Coaching Staff: The Brains Behind the Operation

The coaching staff is the guiding force behind the team. They are responsible for preparing the players, developing the game plan, and making in-game adjustments. In 2021, the Buckeyes were led by head coach Ryan Day and a talented coaching staff who were dedicated to the team's success. They worked tirelessly to develop the players' skills and prepare them for the challenges of college football. Their leadership and expertise were crucial to the team's performance. The coaching staff's ability to inspire and motivate the players was key to the team's success. Their efforts set the tone for the entire team, and their impact on the game was felt on every snap. The coaches' dedication and commitment to the players were essential to their development and performance.

Season Highlights and Lowlights

The 2021 season had its share of memorable moments and challenging games. The team had some impressive wins, but also experienced some tough losses. The season culminated in a thrilling Rose Bowl victory over Utah, but the team missed out on the College Football Playoff. The Buckeyes were one of the most exciting teams to watch in college football, and their success was a testament to the hard work and dedication of the players and coaches. The season was filled with ups and downs. The team's ability to overcome adversity and stay focused on their goals showcased their resilience and determination. The overall performance was a mix of brilliant displays and areas where they could have improved. The team's journey through the season was an emotional rollercoaster for the fans.

Conclusion: A Season to Remember

The 2021 Ohio State football season was a memorable one, filled with exciting games, impressive performances, and unforgettable moments. The players on the roster were a talented and dedicated group, and their contributions were crucial to the team's success. From C.J. Stroud's incredible passing to TreVeyon Henderson's explosive runs, the Buckeyes provided fans with a season to remember. While the team didn't reach all of its goals, their hard work and dedication were evident throughout the season. The 2021 Ohio State football team provided fans with moments of both excitement and heartbreak. They displayed the true spirit of college football. Despite missing out on the national championship, the Buckeyes made a lasting impact on the sport and inspired fans with their passion and dedication. The season will be remembered for its thrilling games, and the incredible talent on the field. The 2021 Ohio State football season will be remembered fondly by Buckeyes fans for years to come. Go Bucks!