Scarlet Sunrise: Trio of Buckeyes players earn Walter Camp All-American nods

IMG_7408by:Andy Backstrom•12/09/23•

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Trio of Buckeyes players earn Walter Camp All-American nods

The same night Marvin Harrison Jr. won the Biletnikoff Award — given to the nation’s top receiver — the superstar Ohio State wideout became the program’s first repeat Walter Camp All-American since defensive end Joey Bosa in 2014-15.

Harrison was the Buckeyes’ lone first-team selection, but two other third-year Ohio State players landed on the Walter Camp All-American second team: cornerback Denzel Burke and defensive tackle Tyleik Williams.

A total of 35 different schools had at least one player on a Walter Camp All-American team this year. The SEC led the way with 13 honorees. Then came the Big Ten with 11 representatives.

Georgia, Iowa and Notre Dame each had two first-team picks. Meanwhile, Alabama got three second-team nods, and Ohio State came away with one first teamer and two second teamers.

Harrison has officially started his path to become the fifth two-time unanimous All-American in Buckeyes history, as the Walter Camp Football Foundation is one of the five major All-American lists used to determine unanimous or consensus distinctions.

Despite being doubled or bracketed practically all season, the Heisman Trophy finalist receiver reeled in 67 receptions for 1,211 yards and 14 touchdowns, not to mention his first career rushing score. Harrison is now the first Ohio State player to stack 1,000-yard receiving seasons, and he has the most career 100-yard receiving games (15) of any Buckeye all-time.

Burke emerged as arguably the most improved Ohio State player early this season. Although he missed two games because of injury in the back half of the 12-game slate, he still finished the year as a key part of an elite Ohio State defense under second-year Buckeyes coordinator Jim Knowles. Burke allowed a reception percentage of 51.1%, according to Pro Football Focus, giving up 23 catches, 266 yards and only one touchdown on 45 targets while also picking off a pass.

Then there’s Williams, who took a massive step this season. After struggling to keep his weight down his first two years at Ohio State, his endurance was in peak form in 2023, even after he missed time in training camp with an injury. Williams had never played more than 29 defensive snaps in a game before this year. He logged at least 30 in all 12 regular season games, reaching or eclipsing the 50-snap mark seven times and even maxing out at 70 against Maryland. Williams piled up 50 total tackles, more than he recorded his first two years combined, 10 tackles for loss, five passes defended, three sacks and a fumble recovery touchdown.

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With the regular season in the past, Lettermen Row is taking stock of the Buckeyes’ 12-game slate before bowl season. That includes wading through the team’s season participation report.

We broke down the PFF snap counts on the offensive and defensive side of the ball from Ohio State’s 11-1 campaign.

Whether it’s Carnell Tate being on track to surpass Harrison’s true freshman snap count or Davison Igbinosun playing more defensive snaps than any other Buckeyes player, there are some notable takeaways featured in the two-part series.

Check it out here (offense) and here (defense).

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Having trouble keeping track of all of Ohio State’s transfer portal departures?

Lettermen Row has you covered.

The Buckeyes have already seen 14 of their players hit the portal — including starting quarterback Kyle McCord, starting wide receiver Julian Fleming and key running back Chip Trayanum — and there could be more on the way soon.

Follow along here to stay up to date.

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