Ohio State Wide Receiver Ray Small Makes the Most of a Kick Off Return

Ray Small’s big moment finally came when he returned a kick off for 96 yards and a touchdown this past Saturday against Wisconsin in the Horseshoe. This score came immediately after Wisconsin attempted to get back in the game after early turnovers that resulted in touchdowns for the Buckeyes. Small worried if there was a penalty on his team but the Buckeyes were in the clear.

By Steve Patterson

Ray Small had mostly been returning punts or playing the fourth string wide receiver position. But with Daniel Herron out for the later part of Ohio State’s 31-13 victory over the Badgers, Small got his opportunity to return a kick and showed the blazing quick speed that all fans knew he possessed. The return put Ohio State on top by 15, limiting Wisconsin to mostly pass the ball which was not easy against a pass rushing defensive line that has disrupted passing quarterbacks all season long.

Ray Small came to Ohio State from Cleveland Glenville and everyone was sure they had the next Ted Ginn Jr in hand. But some slight academic issues and lapses in making team meetings on time have led to disciplinary actions against Small for most of his career. As a freshman he caught 8 passes for 68 yards with one catch resulting in a touchdown. As a sophomore he scored twice and finished the year with 267 yards. As a junior he returned a punt for a touchdown 69 yards but only put up 149 yards without a score.