The Ohio State Buckeyes are aiming to secure a win against the Wisconsin Badgers, but they’re encountering some resistance from potential 2024 NFL Draft CB prospect Ricardo Hallman. How has Hallman fared, and how has Marvin Harrison Jr. challenged him?
Ricardo Hallman, Marvin Harrison Jr. Battling in Potential 2024 NFL Draft Showcase
Everyone knows that Marvin Harrison Jr. is the top non-QB in the 2024 NFL Draft. But few know about Ricardo Hallman, the Wisconsin Badgers’ ball hawk who’s up to five interceptions on the year.
It’s been a tightly contested battle between Harrison Jr. and Hallman so far in this game. Harrison Jr. has 51 yards, and was schemed a touchdown on a quick drag route. But whenever he’s faced the 5’10”, 185-pound Hallman, he’s had trouble producing.
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On one red-zone target, Hallman draped Harrison Jr. with tight coverage and perfectly timed a deflection. And on another intermediate target over the middle of the field, Hallman used his keen eyes and zone instincts to hawk in front of a crossing route and score a pick.
Hallman has a nose for the football, as he’s now up to five interceptions and five pass deflections on the year. If he wanted to, he has a case to declare for the 2024 NFL Draft as a redshirt sophomore and command an NFL Draft selection. But were he to return to school, he’d assuredly be one of the top CBs to start the 2025 NFL Draft cycle.
Not only does Hallman have great playmaking ability and zone instincts, but he’s also a fleet-footed, explosive athlete in man coverage who can minimize space given with his brand of mobility.
At halftime, the Buckeyes are up 10-3 over the Badgers. But if the Badgers keep making it this difficult for Kyle McCord to sustain production through the air, Ohio State could be put on upset alert.