Cotton Bowl Notes: Brian Hartline Expecting Potent Offensive Attack

ARLINGTON, Texas — Ohio State offensive coordinator Brian Hartline met with reporters following the Buckeyes’ practice on Wednesday. He was asked a slew of questions about his offense, especially his receivers and quarterback, and also talked about the test that Missouri’s defense will present. The highlights of everything that Hartline had to say can be found below.

Devin Brown has been doing a great job. It’s a different role for him currently but he’s doing well. Was gaining a lot of momentum before his injury during the season. He brings a lot of energy to practice and his teammates love him.
Emeka Egbuka is doing great and excited to be playing in this game. There was probably a point this season where he was frustrated at not being 100% but he’s there now.
TreVeyon Henderson looks fast. The run game is different when he’s out there. A major impact player. “We are definitely a better team running the ball when we have Trey out there.”
Xavier Johnson is a jack of all trades. “There’s nothing X can’t do.” He gives the offense flexibility. He’ll be a major part of the game on Friday.
Cade Stover is the back bone of this offense at times. He’s tough and plays tough and sets that standard for his teammates. He’s been productive and consistent. Everyone has seen his growth. Glad to have him for this game.
What has the process been like getting Devin Brown ready. “He’s put in a lot of good work up to this game.” He wasn’t starting from scratch. There’s a heightened awareness on his part because he knows he’s the guy now. Everybody should prepare like they are the guy but it’s still different when you actually ARE the guy. So now it’s up to the coaches to put this offense in the path of what Brown does best. Excited to see him let it loose on Friday.
The opportunity for the younger receivers this week? “Opportunities.” What they do with the opportunities dictates the way their careers are going to go. Guys will have different roles and opportunities. A lot of guys are going to have the chance to play. Excited for those guys. This could be a glimpse of what is to come next year. These practices help them for next year. It allows them to push and push, then when their time actually shows up, it’s easier for them because they’ve been practicing at high levels.
His philosophy on recruiting now in the portal age? They are prideful in that they select the right guys in high school — and those guys select OSU. They don’t want to look into the portal for receivers. It’s a goal to pick the right guys in high school that fit the right mold. It’s hard for every single player that chooses to be an Ohio State receiver. There are days with tears and angst. Can’t imagine how things will look in five years regarding the portal.
Carnell Tate was a little dinged up in fall camp or else he would have played even more this year. He’s been ready for this moment. He is earning playing time even with veterans on the roster. Peers always know and they haven’t been quite about Tate.
Jeremiah Smith never wavered and his family never wavered. Smith and his parents always told Hartline the same thing. “His family is loyal. They always did what they said.” Very excited for him.
On Missouri CB Kris Abrams-Draine, MIzzou does a great job defensively. They are talented on the outside and both corners do well. They have respect for both guys out there. OSU has done a great job of studying them. “We have a good feel for them.” “We expect a lot of man coverage.”
The most consistent quarterback won the job in fall camp. Devin Brown has evolved and grown. He’s done a really good job of being on target in bowl practice. Being in a different role has allowed Brown to have a different voice and push guys. It’s hard to be a leader “if you’re not one of the guys.” Brown has always worked hard but now he’s got a little more to his voice because of his role currently.
“I’m always self reflecting all the time. It’s probably part of my problem.” His first year as an offensive coordinator has been good but he’s learned a lot. He’s worked on the diversity of his football knowledge to be an expert in different parts of the game. “I’ve demanded myself to do that.” His opinions on why to do things offensively have grown. He’s very perceptive of Ryan Day to continue to learn as much from him. And also Jim Knowles.
Rarely see Missouri’s defense out of position. They bring good pressures. They get good calls in at the right times and the defense plays confidently. They play fast with very little hesitation.
How has the play-calling worked and how will it evolve? Ryan Day is still the head man and is calling plays. Hartline is still a part of it during the week and adjustments at halftime and between series and during series. They put the game plan together during the week.
How is Brandon Inniss doing? He’s done a good job. He didn’t come in early which set him back. He did a great job catching up quickly. He’s been learning in a deep room. “Brandon’s doing everything he needs to do. He’s a football player first of all.” Same with Bryson Rodgers.
Mylan Graham is a heck of a football player. Graham knew where he wanted to go. Saw OSU a lot. Made no gripe about going anywhere else. It was a very different process. “I feel like he’s already a part of the room.” He’ll be here in June. He’s a quick study.
TreVeyon Henderson has been practicing hard. They have a good package with him. He’s been a leader in bowl prep.
“How do you know Marv’s not playing?”
Has Marvin Harrison raised the bar in the receiver room over the years? Yes. The guys before him set a high bar. And guys raised it over the years, but it’s gone up again. He did it not just through his play but also his lifestyle and preparation. It’s the way he talks, the group chats, the conversations about being elite.
Lincoln Kienholz is continuing to take steps. You don’t want to take steps forward and then back. You don’t want to uncheck boxes you’ve already checked. Just keep making steady progress. “But we’re still going to push him.”
How has Devin Brown fought through the ups and downs? Those are hard, learning moments. Especially at quarterback. He’s handled it. Everybody has their own path and it shapes everyone. There’s a learning and silver lining in all of it. Brown is probably glad he was in that competition during fall camp. He didn’t waste any of his time in competing for the job and that’s being maximized now.