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Hey, Nathan: “What are the chances Julian Fleming can become a starter in the NFL? Due to injuries his development is just behind, but he was such a top prospect. Wouldn’t be the first receiver who is better in the NFL than college. He could finish with college career stats similar to Terry McLaurin, who did not have an amazing career at OSU but became a stud in the NFL.” — Levi from Central Pennsylvania.
Hey, Levi: You are correct that McLaurin did not put up All-American numbers in volume. What he did as a third-year player — 701 yards and 11 touchdowns on only 35 receptions — indicated his NFL potential.
The injuries definitely dragged Fleming back a bit. That’s why it’s unfortunate that he is missing the spring. I saw an Instagram photo with his arm in a sling, and he has undergone shoulder surgery in the past. While a lot of veterans pull back in the spring, he seemed like a guy who could still use those extra reps, especially with a new quarterback taking over.
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Through no fault of his own, durability may still be his biggest question mark in his 2024 draft process — regardless of what he does this fall. Any nagging injuries down the stretch last season would help explain trends in his play. He turned in at least one reception of 31 or more yards in four straight games – peaking with a 79-yarder against Iowa — then had none longer than 25 yards after Oct. 22. Of his 229 yards after the catch, 75.5% came in his first six games.
So he has shown he can fill an important role in this offense as a certified deep threat. A better indication of his NFL ceiling will come if he produces more consistently in 2023. It may be a stretch to judge him against McLaurin’s 20 yards per catch in his final year as a Buckeye, but a jump over last year’s 15.7 would signal another step forward for Fleming.
Hey, Nathan: “Next year is it possible that the Big Ten team most likely to win the conference, and the Big Ten team most likely to win a national title are different teams? Or, will Michigan be considered the front runner in the league and nationally? — Cullen in Boston
Hey, Cullen: I wonder what percentage of the America’s Cullens live in Boston?
Anyway, Ohio State (+700) has better national championship odds than Michigan (+1,200) right now, per FanDuel. It would be no surprise, though, if the Wolverines are voted the Big Ten favorite in cleveland.com’s annual preseason Big Ten football poll. That hasn’t happened since 2019.
The reality, though, is you can never assume the Big Ten will get two teams into the playoff. And you can’t assume any team that doesn’t win the league will get in at all. It’s one of the fallacies of the national college football conversation. No one is truly playing for one of four playoff spots. In most leagues in most years — 2022 being the exception for the Big Ten — they’re only playing for one.
One can make a compelling argument that OSU is better built to beat other elite teams in those indoor playoff scenarios. But if someone doesn’t think the Buckeyes can beat Michigan on Nov. 25, the logic of playoff math makes them an unlikely national championship pick, and vice versa.
Hey, Nathan: “If stranded on a desert island with choices of only Cane’s, Popeye’s or Zaxby’s what are you going for?” — Will from San Diego, CA
Hey, Will: So I’ve never had Zaxby’s. Driven by a few. Need to make more southern road trips (although I remember seeing one in Indiana.) Looks like my kind of place, though.
Between the other two I have to take Popeyes – though I bear no ill will towards the fine meals available at Cane’s. They know what they are and they run a tight, delicious ship. Popeye’s, though, offers more variety. I don’t know how long I’ll be stranded, and I may need options.
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