Dangling dreadlocks aside, it’s Duron Carter’s smile and candor that always seem to attract a crowd.

The 18-year-old wide receiver has been thrown into the fire in the first five games of his freshman campaign, but insists it’s nothing he can’t handle.

“I sat the bench one time in my sophomore year of high school, and I hated it,” he said. “I felt like coming in, I needed to get into the game, and [receivers’] coach [Darrell] Hazell has put me in, and I’m producing as much as I can.”

Carter wasn’t the most sought-after receiver in his high school class, checking in at No. 90 on the Rivals.com list of top 100 overall prospects.

But after beginning training camp near the bottom of the depth chart, the 6-foot-4, happy-go-lucky freshman surpassed mainstays and potential breakout candidates, such as senior Ray Small and sophomore Lamaar Thomas.

Carter’s escalation of the depth chart since arriving at Ohio State hasn’t gone unnoticed.

“That kid is going to be good,” sophomore receiver DeVier Posey said. “I really think that he’s gotten a lot better since he’s been here, and he’s going to get a lot better.”

His progression continued into the season-opening victory over Navy, in which Carter caught the first three passes of his collegiate career.

During OSU’s 33-14 win at Indiana, Carter caught his first touchdown. While the reception required a circus-like juggling act, he laughed off the near-drop with his patented, child-like smile.

“Once I scored, I was kind of surprised,” he said. “I didn’t know what to do, to celebrate or to throw the ball to the ref or anything.”

Posey contends that Carter’s childlike excitement caused a preemptive celebration that nearly resulted in a missed opportunity.

“I don’t know what that kid had up his sleeve,” he said. “You never know with him. He’s a goofy guy.”

After serving as the top receiver for the nation’s top-ranked high school team, St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Florida, it comes as no surprise that Carter has made an immediate impact on the Buckeyes.

He finished his senior season with 39 catches for 739 yards and 14 touchdowns. His father, Buckeye legend Cris Carter, is second on the all-time OSU receptions list with 168.

Cris Carter’s former coach, Buddy Ryan, coined the phrase, “all he does is catch touchdowns,” to describe the NFL Hall of Famer’s talents. Duron Carter, however, knows he must contribute in all aspects of the game to earn playing time as a freshman.

Duron Carter delivered a punishing block, knocking an Indiana defender off his feet on a run by quarterback Terrelle Pryor in Saturday’s game.

Rarely does a wide receiver – and a freshman, at that – embrace the task of blocking downfield. But, with a big smile, Carter said he enjoyed the menacing hit more than the acrobatic touchdown grab.

“I just try to do anything to help,” he said. “I saw Terrelle running, and it just happened to be a great block. I like the hit. You might not hear that from a receiver, but I like hitting, so definitely the hit.”

Carter is taking things in stride and enjoying every moment. His weekly progression has impressed teammates and coaches alike, prompting many to wonder what kind of player he will become.

“It’s scary how good he can be,” Posey said. “His range, his athletic ability and his ability to be a pure catcher, he’s a great receiver.”