breaking his right ankle while returning the opening kickoff against Tennessee on Oct. 4. One of the nation’s most dangerous return men, he had surgery after the game.In his absence, DeVonta Smith went on to put up big enough numbers to win the Heisman Trophy on Tuesday.
That would put the onus on the Buckeyes to defend that formidable pair.“I think you absolutely have to prepare as if he's going to play,” Ohio State defensive coordinator Kerry Coombs said. “He's an extraordinary athlete, extraordinary receiver.”Waddle had 557 yards and four touchdowns in the Tide's first four games, while opponents mostly kicked away from him.Waddle has made three of the program’s five longest scoring catches.