Tight end Jeremy Ruckert has proven to be a receiving threat in recent seasons at Ohio State. In returning for his senior season, he might see his involvement in the Buckeyes' passing game expand. Speaking with reporters on a Zoom call on Wednesday afternoon, Ruckert said he has worked with the coaching staff in spring practice to add to his route tree, potentially increasing his role in the offense. "It's kind of the same stuff we've been doing," Ruckert said. "It's been in before, but we're really focusing on it a lot more now and getting more opportunities. I think the biggest thing going into this year is just trying to give us more opportunities in the passing game because we've proven that we can produce and help this team in any way, especially in the passing game." In last fall's pandemic-shortened season, Ruckert gave quarterback Justin Fields a big red-zone target. The 6-foot-5 tight end grabbed all five of his touchdown passes while the Buckeyes' offense sat inside the 20-yard line. They were among 13 receptions for 151 yards in eight games. The previous season, he caught 14 passes for 142 yards and four touchdowns. - Columbus Dispatch