Chris Olave, Jaxon Smith-Njigba ready to see Marvin Harrison Jr. 'flourish' in NFL
Chris Olave and Jaxon Smith-Njigba have each found immediate success in the NFL. And each know who the next former Ohio State wide receiver to find success will be.
In a joint interview with Bleacher Report, Olave and Smith-Njigba praised former Ohio State wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr., who is projected to be one of the first players selected in the 2024 NFL draft in April.
"He's going to be a top-tier talent," Olave said of Harrison. "Right when he steps into the league. He has all the potential in the world, but his work ethic is going to push him over the top. I'm excited to see what he does in the NFL and where he lands in the draft."
Harrison leaves Ohio State as a two-time All-American and the reigning Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year and Biletnikoff Award winner. He was also a finalist for the 2023 Heisman Trophy, finishing with 1,211 receiving yards and 15 total touchdowns.
"I know me and Chris agree, he is one of one," Smith-Njigba said of Harrison. "We're excited to see him flourish at the next level."
Chris Olave, Jaxon Smith-Njigba call Brian Hartline 'one-of-one'
To Olave, his experience with Ohio State wide receivers coach Brian Hartline was unmatched.
"He's a one-of-one coach," Olave said. "He pushes everybody. Everybody gets coached in different ways, and he finds out based on the player and the person. The experience that he has in the NFL, he comes back and teaches that to us on and off the field. He allows us to grow as players and as people."
Smith-Njigba echoed Olave, saying Hartline's NFL experience gave him an advantage to help Ohio State receivers have successful NFL careers.
"Honestly, I think his biggest talent is just being a good person and coming to work every day and helping young men be who they want to be and their best selves," Smith-Njigba said of Hartline. "We wouldn't be sitting here without the man pushing us to be great. And we appreciate him."
After being selected with the No. 20 overall pick of the 2023 NFL draft, Smith-Njigba brought in 628 receiving yards and four touchdowns on 63 catches.
Olave followed up his 1,000-yard 2022 rookie campaign with 1,123 yards, and five touchdowns on 87 catches in 2023.
Get more Ohio State football news by listening to our podcasts
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Chris Olave, Jaxon Smith-Njigba praise Marvin Harrison Jr.
