Not once, twice, but three times does Ted Ginn Jr.’s name appear on the starting depth chart for Ohio State this weekend.

Ginn is to start at punt and kick returner Saturday, but mostly will be featured as Troy Smith’s main receiver in both their quests for the Heisman.

But how Ginn gets the ball from Smith is a question that cannot be answered.

With the development of the “Shot-Ginn” offense, the junior receiver could line up at his normal receiver spots, or in the backfield where he’ll be ready for direct snaps, handoffs, trick plays or act as a decoy to throw off defenses.

With his athletic ability, Ginn can create headaches for any defense, which is something NIU defensive coordinator Denny Doornbos is well aware of.

“Well, this isn’t like basketball where you can run a box-and-one,” Doornbos said. “We’re going to call out where he is.”

Ginn broke out as a star player last season when he gathered 886 total yards of offense, five touchdowns and became known as one of the fastest players in college football.

Defensive end Ken West has heard of Ginn’s game breaking speed, but he won’t be using that as an excuse for the defense.

“We’re going to know where he is, but we’re going to do what we have to do,” West said. “He’s the fastest player in America right now. We just have to keep track of him on the field.”

Ginn is no secret weapon to NIU. The Huskies have practiced, put together a game plan and are ready to prevent a repeat of his last performance — a 240 yard, two touchdown game against Notre Dame in the Fiesta Bowl in January.

Ben Gross is an NIU football beat reporter for the Northern Star.