Photos: Kathy Leister, Mike Nance & Ohio State Athletics
By: Donald Hunt
PHILADELPHIA – Ohio State has one of the best football teams in the country. A big reason why the Buckeyes (3-0) are off to a brilliant start has been the stellar play of wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. who has made some great catches this season.
Harrison, a former St. Joseph’s Prep star, is a huge part of the Ohio State passing game. The 6-4, 205-pound sophomore, has 18 receptions for 342 yards and five touchdowns. He averages 19.0 yards a catch.
Ohio State sophomore WR #18 Marvin Harrison Jr. has scored 5 touchdowns in three games this season - Photo courtesy of Ohio State Athletics (@OhioStAthletics @OhioStateFB)
Harrison has continued to take his game to another level since his scholastic days where he helped St. Joseph’s Prep win three consecutive PIAA Class 6A state championships.
“I think I’ve improved a lot,” Harrison said. “I try to improve each day like catching. I definitely got bigger and stronger in the weight room. I’m just trying to be the complete package.”
So far, Harrison has done that and more.
Two weeks ago, he teamed up with Buckeye’s quarterback and Heisman Trophy candidate C.J. Stroud to catch three TD's in Ohio State’s 45-12 win over Arkansas State earning Big Ten co-Offensive Player of the Week. He is the second leading receiver in the conference.
The Buckeyes play in the rugged Big Ten Conference where the competition is tough with teams such as Michigan, Penn State, Michigan State and others. Harrison feels Ohio State like other conference powers are tested on a regular basis.
“It’s one of the top conferences,” he said. “It’s going to be a battle each and every week. We can’t afford to lose a game. So, we got to play our best.”
Harrison is the son of Marvin Harrison Sr., former Roman Catholic standout and Pro Football Hall of Fame wide receiver. Although Harrison is having a breakout season, he really showed what he could do last season in the Rose Bowl. Ohio State defeated Utah, 48-45, in a high scoring affair. He caught six passes for 71 yards and scored three TDs.
Ohio State currently ranked No. 3 in the Associated Press Top 25 poll thanks largely in part to Harrison’s offensive exploits. The Buckeyes are in a position to not only compete for a Big Ten Conference title, but a spot in the College Football Playoffs.
Marvin Harrison Jr. - St. Joseph's Prep - PSD Gallery by Kathy Leister & Mike Nance
“It’s the best program in the country,” Harrison said. “It’s really just a blessing to be here. You have to really take it one game at a time. You can’t get caught up in the moment. It takes a lot of hard work.”
In spite of the hard work and a hectic Division I football schedule. Harrison still manages to follow St. Joseph’s Prep football program, which has another great team this season.
“I still talk to all the coaches,” Harrison said. “It’s a close family type environment.”
St. Joseph’s Prep football program has prepared him well for playing major college football at Ohio State.
This week No. 3 Ohio State hosts Wisconsin on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. on ABC.