How Good Was Terry McLaurin In College? A Look Back At His Ohio State Days
When you think about the top wide receivers in the NFL today, Terry McLaurin's name, very often, comes up. He's known for his amazing catches, his speed, and just being a really tough competitor. But, you know, before he was making big plays for Washington, he spent his college years at Ohio State University. A lot of folks, perhaps, wonder what he was like back then. Was he always this explosive player? Or did he kind of grow into his current role? That's a good question, and one we will certainly look at here.
It's interesting, really, to consider a player's path from college to the pros. Sometimes, a college star just keeps on shining, like your favorite old game that still plays perfectly. Other times, a player might not have been the main attraction in college but just blossoms into something special later on. Terry McLaurin's story, in some respects, is a little bit of both. He was good, yes, but the circumstances at Ohio State meant his talent was, you know, shared among many other really talented players.
So, we're going to take a trip back to his time as a Buckeye. We'll look at his stats, his role on the team, and what made him stand out even when he wasn't always the primary target. It's a way, too, of appreciating how far he has come and the kind of player he was becoming even back then. You might be surprised by some of the things you find out about his college career, actually.
Table of Contents
- Terry McLaurin: A Brief Biography
- Early Days and Recruitment
- His Role at Ohio State: The Special Teams Ace
- The Receiving Game: Sharing the Spotlight
- Year-by-Year Breakdown
- Beyond the Stats: What Made Him Stand Out
- The Draft and What Scouts Saw
- Looking Back on His College Impact
- Frequently Asked Questions About Terry McLaurin in College
- Final Thoughts on McLaurin's College Journey
Terry McLaurin: A Brief Biography
Terry McLaurin, a name that brings a lot of excitement to football fans, has quite a story. He's known for his dedication and his strong work ethic, which, you know, really shines through in his play. He didn't just appear out of nowhere; he worked his way up through high school and college, building his skills bit by bit. It's a journey that, frankly, shows how much effort he puts into his sport.
Personal Details and Bio Data
| Full Name | Terry McLaurin |
| Born | September 15, 1995 |
| Hometown | Indianapolis, Indiana |
| High School | Cathedral High School |
| College | Ohio State University |
| Position | Wide Receiver |
| Height | 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) |
| Weight | 210 lb (95 kg) |
Early Days and Recruitment
Before he was a Buckeye, Terry McLaurin was a standout at Cathedral High School in Indianapolis. He was, like, a really good athlete, playing both wide receiver and defensive back. His speed and his ability to make plays on both sides of the ball caught the eye of many college scouts. He was considered a highly-rated prospect, a four-star recruit, actually, which is pretty impressive. This meant a lot of big-name schools wanted him to play for them, but he eventually chose Ohio State, a place known for producing top-tier talent. It was, in a way, a sign of things to come, picking a program that would challenge him.
Choosing Ohio State, you know, meant he was going to a place with a lot of competition. The Buckeyes, at that time and still now, are a powerhouse program, always bringing in some of the best high school players from all over the country. For a young receiver, this meant he'd be practicing against and playing alongside other really gifted athletes. It's a tough environment, but one that, you know, helps players get better, pushing them to reach their full potential. This choice, in fact, speaks to his desire to improve.
His Role at Ohio State: The Special Teams Ace
When Terry McLaurin first got to Ohio State, he wasn't immediately the star wide receiver everyone sees today. That's just how it goes at a big program, really. There are so many talented players, and everyone has to earn their spot. For Terry, one of the first places he made a big impact was on special teams. This is where he truly, you know, showed his dedication and his willingness to do whatever the team needed. He was a force on punt and kick coverage, often being the first one down the field, making tackles.
His work on special teams was, in a way, a display of his character. It showed coaches he was unselfish and tough. He was willing to put his body on the line for every play, even if it wasn't a glamorous receiving touchdown. This kind of effort, you know, builds trust with the coaching staff and his teammates. It's a vital part of being a complete football player, and it's something that, honestly, often gets overlooked when people just look at receiving stats. He was, pretty much, a key part of those units.
For a player like Terry, excelling on special teams also meant he was always on the field, always involved. This kept him sharp and gave him chances to make plays, even if they weren't catching passes. It's a testament to his versatility and his commitment to the team's success. He became, basically, a well-respected player in the locker room because of this effort. That's just how it works when you show up and work hard, you know?
The Receiving Game: Sharing the Spotlight
Now, when it comes to catching passes, Terry McLaurin's college stats might not jump off the page like some other top NFL receivers. This is, in part, because Ohio State had an absolutely stacked receiving corps during his time there. We're talking about guys like Michael Thomas, Curtis Samuel, Parris Campbell, and Chris Olave, all of whom, you know, went on to have great NFL careers themselves. So, targets were, quite simply, spread around a lot. It was a situation where, arguably, any of those guys could have been a true number one receiver on many other teams.
Because of this, Terry often had to wait his turn and make the most of the opportunities he got. He wasn't always the primary read on every play, which, you know, can be tough for a receiver who wants to make a big impact. But what he did, basically, was become incredibly efficient with his chances. When the ball came his way, he usually caught it, and he often turned it into a big gain. This efficiency is, you know, a sign of a really good receiver, even if the volume of catches wasn't super high.
His role, therefore, was more about being a reliable option and a deep threat when needed. He used his speed to stretch the field, creating space for other receivers underneath. This kind of contribution, in fact, is incredibly valuable to an offense, even if it doesn't always show up in the box score with huge numbers. He was, in a way, a crucial piece of the puzzle, making the whole offense work better. It's like, he made everyone else's job a little easier.
Year-by-Year Breakdown
Freshman Year (2015): Getting Started
As a true freshman in 2015, Terry McLaurin mostly played on special teams. This is pretty typical for young players at a program like Ohio State, you know? He appeared in 14 games, but his contributions were mainly in kick and punt coverage. He didn't record any receiving stats that year, which, in some respects, just shows how much talent was ahead of him on the depth chart. It was a year for learning the system and getting used to the speed of college football. He was, basically, just getting his feet wet.
Sophomore Year (2016): A Bit More Involved
In 2016, his sophomore season, Terry started to see a little bit more action on offense. He played in all 13 games, and he caught 11 passes for 114 yards and two touchdowns. These numbers, you know, aren't eye-popping, but they show progress. He was still a key special teams player, but he was also starting to carve out a role as a receiver. His two touchdowns, in fact, showed his ability to get into the end zone when given the chance. He was, more or less, becoming a dependable target.
Junior Year (2017): Finding a Groove
His junior year in 2017 saw a modest increase in his receiving production. He had 29 receptions for 436 yards and six touchdowns. This was, arguably, a good step forward. He was becoming a more consistent part of the passing game, showing his ability to make plays downfield. The six touchdowns, you know, really highlighted his knack for finding the end zone. He was still sharing targets with a lot of other talented players, but he was making the most of his opportunities. This year, you know, really showed what he could do.
Senior Year (2018): The Breakout
The 2018 season, his senior year, was Terry McLaurin's best in terms of receiving production. This was the year he really, you know, started to turn heads. He caught 35 passes for 701 yards and 11 touchdowns. These numbers are, basically, much more indicative of the kind of player he was becoming. His yards per reception were very high, showing his big-play ability. The 11 touchdowns, in fact, were a huge jump and put him among the top touchdown scorers on the team. This season, you know, truly showcased his potential to be a star receiver. He was, pretty much, a major threat every time he stepped on the field.
Beyond the Stats: What Made Him Stand Out
While his raw receiving stats might not scream "future NFL star" until his senior year, there were other things about Terry McLaurin that, you know, really made him special. His blocking, for instance, was always top-notch. He was a willing and effective blocker in the run game, which is something coaches absolutely love. This kind of effort, in fact, shows a complete player who is committed to every aspect of the game, not just catching passes. It's a trait that, you know, sets certain receivers apart.
His speed was also, like, a huge asset. He was consistently one of the fastest players on the field, which allowed him to get behind defenses and create big plays. Even if he wasn't targeted, his presence alone stretched the field, opening up opportunities for other receivers and the running backs. This speed, you know, was evident on special teams too, where he was often the first one down the field. It was, in a way, a constant threat that defenses had to respect.
Then there's his work ethic and his character. Everyone who talked about Terry McLaurin at Ohio State mentioned how hard he worked, both on and off the field. He was a leader, a team player, and someone who always put the team first. This kind of dedication, you know, doesn't always show up in a stat sheet, but it's incredibly important for a team's success. It's the kind of thing that, basically, makes a player invaluable to a locker room. He was, quite simply, a good person to have around.
The Draft and What Scouts Saw
Despite not having eye-popping receiving numbers for most of his college career, NFL scouts were, you know, very much aware of Terry McLaurin's potential. They saw his speed, his excellent route-running ability, and his willingness to contribute on special teams. They also saw a player who was incredibly reliable and had a high football IQ. These are all traits that, in fact, translate very well to the professional level. Scouts, more or less, looked beyond the raw stats and saw the complete package.
His performance at the NFL Combine also, like, really helped his draft stock. He ran a blazing 4.35-second 40-yard dash, which is incredibly fast for a receiver. He also performed well in other drills, showing his agility and his strong hands. This confirmed what scouts already suspected: he had elite athletic traits. So, while his college stats might have been a bit modest due to sharing targets, his physical tools and his film showed he was ready for the next level. It was, in a way, a clear signal of his readiness.
He was eventually selected by the Washington Commanders (then the Washington Redskins) in the third round of the 2019 NFL Draft. This pick, you know, turned out to be an absolute steal. Many teams might have overlooked him because of his college production, but Washington saw the potential. It's a reminder that sometimes, you have to look deeper than just the numbers to find a truly special player. He was, pretty much, a hidden gem.
Looking Back on His College Impact
When we look back at Terry McLaurin's time at Ohio State, it's clear he was a very good college player, even if his role evolved over the years. He wasn't the top target for most of his career, but he was, you know, a vital part of some very successful Ohio State teams. His contributions on special teams were immense, and his development as a receiver, especially in his senior year, was truly impressive. He showed consistent growth and a relentless drive to get better. This kind of dedication, in fact, is what separates good players from great ones.
His college career is, in a way, a perfect example of a player who maximized his opportunities and developed his game even when the spotlight wasn't always on him. He learned to be efficient, to block, and to play special teams at a high level. These are all skills that, you know, have served him incredibly well in the NFL. It just goes to show that college success isn't always measured by huge receiving totals. Sometimes, it's about the impact you make in other ways and the growth you show. Learn more about college football careers on our site.
Frequently Asked Questions About Terry McLaurin in College
Was Terry McLaurin the best receiver at Ohio State during his time there?
No, not in terms of receiving yardage or catches for most of his career. Ohio State had a lot of other incredibly talented receivers like Michael Thomas, Curtis Samuel, and Parris Campbell, who often received more targets. Terry McLaurin was, you know, a very important part of the receiving group, but he shared the spotlight quite a bit. He was, arguably, a key complementary piece.
What was Terry McLaurin known for in college besides catching passes?
Terry McLaurin was, like, very well-known for his exceptional play on special teams. He was a dominant force in kick and punt coverage, often being the first player down the field to make a tackle. This showed his speed, his toughness, and his willingness to do whatever the team needed. He was, in fact, a true special teams ace.
How did Terry McLaurin's college performance prepare him for the NFL?
His college career, you know, prepared him in several ways. He learned to be an excellent route runner, use his speed to stretch the field, and block effectively. Playing alongside other top talents also meant he had to be very efficient with his targets. His special teams work, too, highlighted his athleticism and commitment, which, in fact, are highly valued in the NFL. It was, in a way, a comprehensive preparation.
Final Thoughts on McLaurin's College Journey
Terry McLaurin's college career at Ohio State is, in some respects, a really cool story of development and perseverance. He wasn't always the top guy, but he consistently worked hard, improved his game, and made an impact in every way he could. His journey from a special teams standout to a crucial part of the Buckeyes' passing attack, especially in his senior year, truly shows his dedication. It's a path that, you know, has clearly prepared him for the success he's having in the NFL today. He was, pretty much, a player who always gave his all. For more insights on player development, you might like to check out this page.
His time at Ohio State, therefore, highlights that a player's college "goodness" isn't always just about the numbers they put up. It's also about their growth, their impact on the team, and how they handle competition. Terry McLaurin, in fact, checked all those boxes, making him a very good college player who was, honestly, destined for even bigger things. You can find more details about his college stats and game-by-game breakdowns on a well-known sports site like Sports-Reference.
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