Ohio State’s approach at tight end has never exactly been a feeding frenzy in the Ryan Day era. The Buckeyes have usually had enough firepower at receiver that the tight end role has leaned more toward blocking than piling up catches.
That’s what makes Max Klare’s first preseason game with the Rams stand out so much.
Klare, one of two Ohio State tight ends taken in the same draft for the first time in school history this past April, made an immediate impression against the Chiefs. He hauled in seven passes for 37 yards and looked like a dependable option every time the ball came his way. It wasn’t a fireworks display in terms of yardage, but the steady production was enough to get attention.
For Buckeyes fans, the performance naturally raised the same question: why didn’t Ohio State use him like that in Columbus?
Klare had shown he could do it before. At Purdue, before transferring to Ohio State, he already had a reputation as a capable pass-catcher.
And while with the Buckeyes, his one seven-catch game came against Rutgers, when he finished with seven receptions for 107 yards and a touchdown. That night came with neither Jeremiah Smith nor Carnell Tate available.
The Rams didn’t have Matthew Stafford on the field for this preseason opener, either. Ty Simpson and Stetson Bennett were the only quarterbacks to take snaps for Los Angeles in the game, but Klare still found a way to make himself part of the story.
That kind of start could matter well beyond one preseason outing. If Klare develops into a real weapon in the NFL, it could also help Ohio State on the recruiting trail. Top tight ends typically don’t look at the Buckeyes and immediately think pass-heavy opportunity, but Klare has a chance to change that perception.
He’s not the only former Buckeye making noise early, either.
Caden Curry already turned in a strong first pro game, Marvin Harrison Jr. added a nice touchdown catch, and Josh Simmons has been dominating people in practice. There are more names in the mix, too, with J.T. Tuimoloau, Jack Sawyer, and TreVeyon Henderson all having a shot to win starting jobs.
Ohio State, though, has already moved on. The focus in Columbus is on the current roster and another run at a national championship. Even after losing plenty of talent from last year’s 12-win team, the Buckeyes still have a group loaded with ability.
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