No Zooming, and Minimal Booming: Shake up Needed at Running Back for the Buckeyes?

By Ronnie Hampston
BleacherReport.com


The Ohio State Buckeyes have a need at the running back position.

Games in the Big Ten are won in the trenches with great offensive line play and strong defensive line play. The Ohio State Buckeyes running game has been average at best.

Boom Herron has ran the ball pretty well this season, but Brandon Saine has been a disappointment so far. Take away his big game versus Marshall and he has been very underwhelming.

Terrelle Pryor is the team's leading rusher and that is a great feat, but that creates more wear and tear on the young quarterback's body.

Saine is the weak link of the backfield between him and Boom Herron. Saine possess great speed and amazing hands for a running back, but he lacks vision and patience when running the ball. The Buckeyes may have the biggest offensive line in the country and there is no excuse why they cannot run the ball effectively.

Jaamal Berry is unproven, but seems to add a spark to the offense when he is on the field. When given the opportunity this season, he has answered the call.

Berry is an undersized back, but he will not be another Maurice Wells (OSU RB, 2006-2009).

The combination of Pryor, Berry, and Herron running the ball will be very effective and it is a preview of what next season's backfield will look like.

Saine should not be an outcast from the offense, however.

He is a valuable asset, but he should be used as a gadget player to utilize his speed and his ability to make plays in the open field. Saine can also fill the void as a third receiver and a third-down back.

Offensive coordinator Jim Bollman and head coach Jim Tressel need to re-evaluate the running back situation and insert Berry into the lineup.

As a fan I may be hitting the panic button a little too soon, but something needs to be done, before we play tough games against Wisconsin, Iowa, Penn State, and the team up North.

Other than Pryor, the backs aren't getting it done, but there is still time this season for improvement in the running game.

Jim Tressel must challenge his offensive line and his running backs to elevate their play in the crucial part of the season.

The Bucks will need to do something soon, because they cannot afford to lose Terrelle Pryor.

If he gets injured carrying the ball, which could very well happen if he continues to take multiple hits game after game, the season will be all-but over.


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2010 College Football Predictions: Top Five Running Back Duos in the Nation

There is always a lot of talk, conjecture, and debate when it comes to individually ranking the top running backs in the nation.

But what about the top running back duos—that is, the best backs who are teammates.

Here are my top five. I encourage everyone to post your comments on which of my rankings you agree or disagree with.


Duo Number Five

Brandon Saine and Dan Herron - Ohio State

In 2008, Herron replaced the injured Beanie Wells and impressed the coaches so much that he entered 2009 as the starter.

Saine came back healthy in 2009 and led the Buckeyes in rushing yards by a running back with 739. He also had 224 receiving yards and scored six total touchdowns.

Herron added 600 yards on the ground and seven touchdown runs.

Entering 2010, it appears that Saine is the No. 1 back with Herron a very close second.

With the O-line expected to be one of the best in the country, another huge year from the Buckeye backfield should be on tap.


Duo Number Four

Adam Robinson and Jewell Hampton or Adam Wegher - Iowa

With Hampton out for the season due to injury, Robinson led the Hawkeyes rushing attack in 2009 with 834 yards and five touchdowns, and Wegher added another 641 yards and eight scores.

Before being injured, Hampton was considered to be the guy who would take over for NFL-departed Shonn Greene.

In 2008, Hampton rushed for 463 yards and scored seven times as Greene's backup.

I'm sure Robinson did enough in 2009 to be Iowa's No. 1 or No. 2 in 2010, so the only question is who will be his main sidekick, Hampton or Wegher?

I'm still leaning towards Hampton, but no matter who it ends up being, expect plenty of production behind their big line and the reduction of pressure on turnover-prone quarterback Ricky Stanzi.


Duo Number Three

Christine Michael and Cyrus Gray - Texas A & M

A year ago, Michael just edged Gray to lead the Aggies in rushing with 844 yards and 10 touchdowns. Gray added 757 rushing yards, 226 receiving yards, and seven total touchdowns (five rushing, two receiving).

QB Jerrod Johnson, who is also a pretty decent ball carrier himself, is one of the best passers in the Big 12 and is expected to pass more than scramble this season.

That should allow Michael and Gray even more running room in 2010.

1,000 yards seasons could be possible for both.


Duo Number Two

Mark Ingram and Trent Richardson - Alabama

Everyone knows about Ingram, the 2009 Heisman winner. He gained 1658 yards on the ground and had 334 receiving yards. In total, he scored 20 touchdowns (17 rushing, three receiving).

Not everyone knows about Ricahrdson, but they soon will. He is considered by many experts and fans alike as one of the best non-starters in college football.

Last season, he averaged nearly 5.2 yards per carry, as he rushed for 751 yards and scored eight touchdowns.

Only a sophomore in 2010, he's tough,fast, and just might someday be Alabama's second Heisman winner.

He was twice named the SEC freshman of the week in 2009 and was also tabbed as a member of the SEC All-Freshmen team.

QB Greg McElroy seems more of a game manager type to me, so it's not hard to imagine another huge year rushing for the Tide with both Ingram and Richardson carrying the rock.


Duo Number One

Ryan Williams and Darren Evans - Virginia Tech

Coach Frank Beamer has a huge problem on his hands heading into 2010.

However, it's not a problem he minds having.

How will he decide which one of his star running backs will be 1A and 1B?

In 2008, freshman Darren Evans rushed for 1,265 yards and scored 11 touchdowns. Prior to the 2009 season, Evans tore the ACL in his left knee and was lost for the entire season.

Hokie fans were at a loss and many thought the season would be a disaster.

But for the second straight season, a freshman, this time Ryan Williams, ran wild.

Williams unexpectedly had one of the best statistical seasons of any back in the nation, gaining 1,655 yards and finding the end zone 21 times.

Expectations are sky high for the 2010 Hokies, and Williams and Evans are two of the biggest reasons, justifiably so.


That's it. That's the list. Now let's hear from my fans and haters alike.

Let the debating begin.


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College Football's Top 10 Running Backs For 2010, Unbiased Edition

I usually only write about Ohio State football, but occasionally I like "talking shop" about college football in general.

As fall camps and the start of the 2010 college football season nears, I made a few changes to an article I had previously posted here on B/R, and this is the end result. I figured, where's the harm in getting a bit more mileage out of this topic, eh?

These, in my opinion, are the top 10 running backs in the country heading into the 2010 college football season, along with a few thoughts on why each of them made my list.


Honorable Mention—Brandon Saine—Ohio State Buckeyes

It has truly been a long time coming, but Saine, who is in his final season at Ohio State, should get his chance to be the No. 1 back for the 2010 Buckeyes, although Dan Herron will also see the field plenty as option 1-B for the Bucks.

If not for the fact that I am unsure of just how much Herron (possibly along with Jaamal Berry and Jordan Hall) might be used in place of Saine throughout the season, I'd probably have him in my top 10.

He possesses a nice combination of speed and power, which allows him to run inside or out on the edges, and he's also dangerous as a receiver out of the backfield or in the slot.

If he can avoid the injury big that has plagued his career at Ohio State, I fully expect Saine to have the breakout year every Buckeye fan has been expecting from him since he first arrived on campus in 2006, and ultimately for him to ascend into the top 10 by seasons' end.


No. 10—Roy Helu Jr—Nebraska Cornhuskers

Helu will be a senior in 2010, and will look to build on a solid 2009 campaign in which he rushed for 1,147 yards and scored nine touchdowns.

The Big 12 could be down in 2010, but many believe Coach Bo Pelini has Nebraska on the threshold of a return to the top 10. If they get there or not, Helu's production will be a big part of why they do or don't met those expectations.


No. 9—Lance Dunbar—North Texas Mean Green

Sometimes, depsite the team or the conference a player is on or in, you can't help but notice them and give them the recognition they deserve.

As bad as the Mean Green have been, junior-to-be tailback Lance Dunbar has been conversely outstanding.

In 2009, he gained 1,378 yards and scored 17 rushing touchdowns. He also added 300 yards receiving and caught three TD passes. You can bet Dunbar will be the catalyst if North Texas exceeds their 2009 win total of two in 2010.


No. 8—Montel Harris—Boston College Eagles

Last season, Harris quietly rushed for over 100 yards in eight of BC's 13 games, totaling 1,457 yards and 14 touchdowns.

In week seven against NC State, he had a career day, amassing 264 rushing yards and finding the endzone five times.

For much of 2009, the talk surrounding BC was about Mark Herzlich's battle with cancer, but in 2010, with Herzlich set to return after treatment, Harris is good enough that he might end up being the No. 1 topic of discussion pertaining to the Eagles. He could even find himself in the discussion as a darkhorse for the 2010 Heisman.


No. 7—Ricky Dobbs—Navy Midshipmen

Technically, Dobbs is a QB, but at Navy, the QB is a glorified running back.

He passed for over 1,000 yards and tossed six TD passes in 2009, so why is he on this list you ask? Because, it was the damage he did carrying the ball out of the Navy triple-option where he truly excelled and made his mark in '09.

Dobbs rushed for 1,192 yards and scored 27 rushing touchdowns in his first full season as a starter. Here's some perspective on just how good Dobbs was/is.

He missed two games last year or he might have had closer to 1,500 yards rushing and over 30 rushing touchdowns, numbers certainly attainable for him in 2010 if he remains injury-free.


No. 6—Noel Devine—West Virginia Mountaineers

Devine decided to return to Morgantown for his senior season and the Mountaineers and their fans are glad to once again have his services.

Last season, his first without star-QB Pat White next to him in the backfield, he rushed for 1,465 yards and scored 13 touchdowns.

In 2010, he could once again be asked to shoulder the bulk of the workload as outgoing QB Jarrett Brown must be replaced. Another 1,400+ yards and 15-plus touchdowns certainly is a likely possibility for Devine. That is, if WVU doesn't become too one-dimensional with a new, under-experienced signal caller.


No. 5—JacQuizz Rodgers—Oregon State Beavers

In two seasons, Rodgers has rushed for over 2,700 yards and scored 32 touchdowns.

With USC's dominance now in question, and Oregon having a Miami-Florida type offseason so far, Oregon State could finally be the team to beat in the Pac-10.

Rodgers, who has been mentioned as a possible early Heisman candidate, has done his part up to this point, and I expect nothing less than more of the same from him in 2010.


No. 4—John Clay—Wisconsin Badgers

Clay led the Big Ten in rushing as a sophomore in 2010 with 1,517 yards and he added 18 touchdowns.

He was voted the Big Ten Offensive POY, and should be on track for another big year with the progression of the Badger's passing game under QB Scott Tolzien. The passing game and running game should compliment each other very well in 2010, allowing Clay to post another huge year statistically.

He ran wild on practically every opponent but one last season. Ohio State held him scoreless and to only 59 yards on 20 carries in 2009. At least he only has to face them once in 2010, and it will be at home in Madison, witihin the friendly confines of Camp Randall Stadium.


No. 3—Ryan Williams—Virginia Tech Hokies

It's funny how things work out sometimes.

In 2008, freshman tailback Darren Evans was a beast for the Hokies. He gained 1,265 yards and scored 11 touchdowns, so when he tore his ACL prior to the 2009 season, Hokie Nation held it's collective breath, unsure of who, if anyone, could fill the void left by Evans.

Enter freshman Ryan Williams.

Not only did Williams fill the void, but he practically made Va Tech fans forget about Evans, as he gained 1,655 yards and hit pay dirt 21 times. With Evans returning, it's hard to say who will be Coach Frank Beamer's No. 1 guy, but that's a great problem to have.


No. 2—Mark Ingram—Alabama Crimson Tide

Despite not having the best overall numbers for a tailback last year, Ingram became the first-ever Alabama player to win the Heisman Trophy. Don't get me wrong—Ingram is a great tailback, but I can't help but think Stanford's Toby Gerhart was the more deserving of the two, but I digress.

Ingram had 1,658 yards and he scored 17 touchdowns for the Tide over the course of the season, including 113 yards and three scores, and 116 yards and two scores, against Florida in the SEC title game, and against Texas in the BCS title game respectively.

If Ingram can keep his "backup" Trent Richardson off the field (which may prove to be an impossible task) and if the Tide's O-line can fill a couple spots and open holes for Ingram in 2010 like they did in 2009, he might have a shot at etching his name in the record books next to Archie Griffin as the only two time Heisman winners in college football history.


No. 1—Dion Lewis—Pitt Panthers

If a true freshman has ever stated his case for legit Heisman consideration, Lewis was that guy in 2009.

When LeSean McCoy decided to skip his senior season at Pitt, I'm not sure anyone saw Lewis coming. After all, Lewis was only offered a scholarship from three schools—Pitt, Miami-OH, and Tulane. Regardless, he rushed for 1,799 yards (third best in the nation), crossing the goal line 17 times.

Did I mention, he was a true freshman who was barely recruited?

With QB Bill Stull graduating, Lewis may see even more carries and he could have an amazing season. Of course, the Panthers will have to hope they can replace Stull and be able to pass the ball down the field effectively enough to prevent defenses from stacking the box and keying on Lewis.

If they can succeed at that task, I believe Lewis could approach, if not top 2,000 yards and 20-plus touchdowns in 2010. There are a few "ifs" to overcome, but should Lewis puts up similar stats to those he posted in 2009, he very well could become the fourth straight sophomore to win the Heisman Trophy.

Whether or not he ultimately wins the Heisman, I believe that Lewis deserves this ranking as my No.1 running back in the nation.

That's it, that's the list.

So what do you think?

Who'd I miss?

Who should I have not included?

MAKE SOME NOISE PEOPLE!


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Block-O-Nation's Top 10 Running Backs In College Football For 2010

I usually only write about Ohio State football, but if you look through the archives, you'll notice, that's not always the case.

This is my list of the top 10 running backs in the country heading into the 2010 college football season and a few thoughts on why each of them made this list.


No. 10—Roy Helu Jr—Nebraska Cornhuskers

Helu will be a senior in 2010, and will look to build on a solid 2009 campaign in which he rushed dor 1,147 yards and scored nine touchdowns. The Big 12 could be down in 2010, but many believe Coach Bo Pelini has Nebraska on the threshold of a return to the top 10. If they get there or not, Helu's production will be a big part of why they do or don't met those expectations.


No. 9—Lance Dunbar—North Texas Mean Green

As bad as the Mean Green have been, junior-to-be tailback Lance Dunbar has been conversely outstanding. In 2009, he gained 1,378 yards and scored 17 rushing touchdowns. He also added 300 yards receiving and caught three TD passes. You can bet Dunbar will be the catalyst if North Texas exceeds their 2009 win total of two in 2010.


No. 8—Montel Harris—Boston College Eagles

Last season, Harris rushed for over 100 yards in eight of BC's 13 games, totaling 1,457 yards and 14 touchdowns. In week seven against NC State, he had a career day, amassing 264 rushing yards and finding the endzone five times. Much of 2009, the talk surrounding BC was about Mark Herzlich's battle with cancer, but in 2010, with Herzlich set to return after treatment, Harris is good enough that he might end up being the number one topic of discussion pertaining to the Eagles, and could find himself in the discussion for the 2010 Heisman.


No. 7—Ricky Dobbs—Navy Midshipmen

Technically, Dobbs is a QB, but at Navy, the QB is a running back. He passed for over 1,000 yards and tossed six TD passes in 2009, so why is he on this list you ask? Because, it was the damage he did carrying the ball out of the Navy triple-option where he truly excelled and made his mark in "09". Dobbs rushed for 1,192 yards and scored 27 rushing touchdowns in his first full season as a starter. Here's some perspective on just how good Dobbs was / is—He missed two games last year or he might have had closer to 1,500 yards rushing and over 30 rushing touchdowns, numbers certainly attainable for him in 2010 if he remains injury-free.


No. 6—Noel Devine—West Virginia Mountaineers

Devine did indeed decide to return to Morgantown for his senior season and the Mountaineers are glad indeed to once again have his services. Last season, his first without star-QB Pat White next to him in the backfield, he rushed for 1,465 yards and scored 13 touchdowns. In 2010, he could once again be asked to shoulder the bulk of the workload as outgoing QB Jarrett Brown must be replaced. Another 1,400+ yards and, give or take, 15 touchdowns certainly is a likely possibility for Devine, if WVU doesn't become too one-dimensional with a new, under-experienced signal caller.

I'm sure even though I have corrected my unintentional error and added him to this top 10 list in place of Marshall's Darius Marshall who I originally thought had returned to school, there will be those the believe he isn't ranked high enough. To those of you that take that stance, that is certainly OK by me. We do not always need to see everything eye-to-eye.I suggest you go write your own article, with your own top 10, and rank him wherever you want. IMO, he's right where he deserves to be on my list—so to those this applies to, thanks in advance for your new articles.


No. 5—Jacquizz Rodgers—Oregon State Beavers

In two seasons, Rodgers has rushed for over 2,700 yards and scored 32 touchdowns. With USC's dominance now in question, and Oregon having a Miami-Florida type off-season so far, Oregon State could finally be the team to beat in the Pac-10. He has had some ups and downs, but overall, Rodgers has done his part up to this point, and I expect nothing less than more of the same from him in 2010. I believe another 1,500 yards, give or take, and 15-20 touchdowns could be on-tap for Quizz in 2010.


No. 4—John Clay—Wisconsin Badgers

Clay led the Big Ten in rushing as a sophomore in 2010 with 1,517 yards and he added 18 touchdowns. He was voted the Big Ten Offensive POY, and should be on track for another big year with the progression of the Badger's passing game under QB Scott Tolzien. The passing game and running game should compliment each other very well in 2010, allowing Clay to post another huge year statistically. He ran wild on practically every opponent but one last season. Ohio State held him scoreless and to only 59 yards on 20 carries in 2009. At least he only has to face them once in 2010.


No. 3—Ryan Williams—Virginia Tech Hokies

It's funny how things work out sometimes. In 2008, freshman tailback Darren Evans was a beast for the Hokies. He gained 1,265 yards and scored 11 touchdowns, so when he tore his ACL prior to the 2009 season, Hokie Nation held it's collective breath, unsure of who, if anyone, could fill the void left by Evans. Enter freshman Ryan Williams. Not only did Williams fill the void, but he practically made Va Tech fans forget about Evans, as he gained 1,655 yards and hit paydirt 21 times. With Evans returning, it's hard to say who will be Coach Frank Beamer's No. 1 guy, but that's a great problem to have.


No. 2—Mark Ingram—Alabama Crimson Tide

Despite not having the best overall numbers for a tailback last year, Ingram became the first Alabama player to win the Heisman Trophy. Don't get me wrong—Ingram is a great tailback, but I can't help but think Stanford's Toby Gerhart was the more deserving of the two, but I digress. Ingram had 1,658 yards and he scored 17 touchdowns for the Tide over the course of the season, including 113 yards and three scores, and 116 yards and two scores, against Florida in the SEC title game, and against Texas in the BCS title game respectively. If the Tide's O-line can fill a couple spots and open holes in 2010 for Ingram like they did in 2009, he will have a good shot at etching his name in the books next to Archie Griffin's as the only two-time Heisman winners.


No. 1—Dion Lewis—Pitt Panthers

If a true freshman has ever stated his case for legit Heisman consideration, Lewis was that guy in 2009. When LeSean McCoy decided to skip his senior season at Pitt, I'm not sure anyone saw what Lewis would go on to do coming. After all, Lewis was only offered a scholarship from three schools—Pitt, Miami-OH, and Tulane. Regardless, he rushed for 1,799 yards (third best in the nation) and he crossed the goal line 17 times. Did I mention, he was a true freshman who was barely recruited? With QB Bill Stull graduating, Lewis may see even more carries and he could have an amazing season. Of course, the Panthers will have to hope they can replace Stull and pass the ball down the field to prevent defenses from stacking the box and keying on Lewis. If they can succeed at that task, I believe Lewis could approach, if not top 2,000 yards and 20+ touchdowns in 2010. There sure are a lot of if's but if Lewis puts up similar stats, he might be the fourth straight sophomore to win the Heisman.


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Photo copyright The New York Times

The Buckeye Stable: Ohio State Backfield Overflowing With Talent Heading Into 2010

Anyone not living in a cave that follows college football knows who Terrelle Pryor is.

For those who may have lived in a cave, he was the top recruit in the nation in 2008, and is the starting QB for THE Ohio State Buckeyes.

Clearly, he is the most known and recognizable player in the OSU backfield, but he's not the only guy who can carry the rock.

In years past, USC has had what some referred to as a "stable" of stud running backs. Most recently, notables include CJ Gable, Joe McKnight, and Stafon Johnson. Florida's Emmanuel Moody began his career at USC and was the Pac-10 freshmen of the year in 2006 before leaving SoCal for the Gators.

Before that, there was Reggie Bush and LenDale White who split time and both ended up in the NFL. But enough about USC.

The talent that Ohio State will field at RB this coming season will rival, and very well could/should surpass any stable Slippery Pete ever assembled in his tenure in LA (2001-2009) before he scrambled out of town, just before the NCAA likely slams the sanctions hammer down on the Trojans.

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SIX NAMES TO KNOW

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1—Brandon Saine

"Zoom" was finally healthy for the majority of a season in 2009 and he was able to show off the ability and speed that made him a two-sport star for Piqua (Ohio) High School in track and football.

According to Scout.com, he was a 4-star recruit as a member of Ohio State's 2007 recruiting class.

Even though he wasn't the full-time featured back in 2009, Zoom still scored six total touchdowns, and managed to gain over 950 total yards, while averaging over five yards per carry.

A healthy senior season with more time as the featured back for him just might help lead the Buckeyes back to another BCS title game. Also, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell could end up calling Saine's name on day one of the pro draft come April, 2011 if he and the team, each have a big year.


2—Daniel Herron

Like Saine, "Boom" was also a 4-star recruit for the Buckeyes in 2007. However, he was redshirted his freshmen season.

In 2008, with Beanie Wells missing four games after he was injured in the opening game of the year vs. Youngstown State, and with Saine out almost the entire season due to injury as well, Boom got his chance to show Ohio State did well in recruiting him.

In those four games, and some other spot duty in place of Wells, Herron gained 439 yards on the ground with an average of 4.9 yards per carry, and scored six touchdowns.

In 2009, Herron was named the starter to begin the season. He himself missed some time due to injury which opened the door for the finally healthy Brandon Saine. Even so, Herron did rush for 600 yards and scored eight total touchdowns.

Dan should still be one of the main men for tOSU in 2010 seeing as how Coach Tressel tends to favor experienced upperclassmen, but we'll have to see just how much playing time the young guys might earn, and if that affects Boom in the coming months or not.


3—Jordan Hall

In a limited role for the Bucks last season, soon-to-be sophomore Jordan Hall showed some excellent potential heading into the future.

The 2009 3-star recruit played in six of the Buckeyes 13 games and although he didn't get a ton of carries, Terrelle Pryor's former high school teammate from Jeannette, PA made the most of his opportunities when both Boom and Zoom each were nursing injuries.

On 48 carries, Hall picked up 248 yards for a 5.2 ypc average, and scored one touchdown.

He's a bit on the small side height-wise, but he's also pretty fast and he hits the hole and gets through it when it opens. He could easily make a push for more playing time if there are injuries, if he impresses this Spring, or with plenty of hard work once Fall camp begins.


4—Jaamal Berry

Berry is somewhat of an unknown commodity at this point. He was considered the top prospect in the OSU 2009 recruiting class, but a leg injury forced him to redshirt and miss the entire season.

With Saine and Herron returning, and Hall impressing the coaches when he saw the field this past season, Berry, a four to 5-star rated prospect out of Miami (Florida) Palmetto HS may or may not have a shot to earn substantial playing time this coming season—if he can get, and remain 100% healthy that is.

This will be a classic wait-and-see situation, as far as how much Jaamal does or doesn't play in 2010.


5—Carlos Hyde

A year ago, Carlos just missed being eligible to enroll at Ohio State, literally by one point on his ACT.

So instead, the 4-star fullback out of Naples, Florida attended Fork Union Military Academy in Virginia before enrolling at tOSU this Winter. That particular route worked out quite well for another Buckeye RB back in the mid-1990's.

Eddie George attended Fork Union MA before coming to Columbus. Then he went on to win the 1995 Heisman Trophy, was named 1996 NFL Rookie of the Year, and played a total of nine seasons in the NFL (1996-2004).

Carlos (6-1, 225) is not quite as tall as George (6-3, 240), but he has been compared to him based on his build and ability.

As a senior for Naples in 2008, he gained 1653 yards on the ground and scored 16 touchdowns. He's one to watch if and when he gets a shot on the field.

He may be redshirted (if eligible), or that may happen to our last but not least player to watch, or it could even happen to both of them with this much depth.


6—Roderick Smith

Speaking of last but not least, and of a guy many have compared to Eddie George, Smith (6-3, 225) is that guy. He's also drawn comparisons to Beanie Wells. Those are some big footsteps to follow in, but not uncommon for a four to 5-star level player.

He is considered by many to be one of, if not the best DI football prospect ever to come out of Indiana, a state traditionally known for its' exploits on the hardwood rather than the gridiron.

As a four-year high school starter, Smith gained over 6,500 rushing yards and scored 66 career touchdowns—and to think, as of right now, he's No. 6 on the depth chart.

He's probably a year away with the others who are here and ahead of him in terms of knowing the system and playbook, but I for one cannot wait until he hits the field, whether it is 2010, or not until 2011.

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The talent, specifically at running back, that the Buckeyes have been able to assemble over these past four recruiting years is flat-out sick.

The way things are looking for Ohio State in the near future, we'll all need to do what the song says.

Some might say this over-abundance of talent could lead to dissension in the locker room, or transfers down the line.

I suppose there might be some truth to that, but to be honest, it is certainly a "problem" I don't mind having.

I'd be much more concerned if we had one guy who was golden, and a cupboard full of backups that aren't worth a grain of sand combined...


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Buckeye Backfield: Will Three Backs Be Better Than One?

by Kyle Strittholt
BlockONation Contributor



Last season there was one Buckeye player that was certainly a problem for opposing defenses, and his name was Chris "Beanie" Wells.

This season would be Beanie's senior season, but he decided to go to the NFL and make his millions.

Without Wells, it is easy to think that the Buckeyes won't be as effective in the running game, but that is not the case for this season.

Dan Herron had a very productive season filling in last year, rushing for 439 yards and six touchdowns.

He was really effective in the Michigan game last season, rushing eight times for 80 yards and galloping to a 49-yard touchdown in the Buckeyes 42-7 victory over their rivals.

In the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl, Herron had a late, go-ahead touchdown that nearly won the game for Ohio State, if not for the last-minute heroics of Colt McCoy.

It would appear as if he will be the starter this season, and although he isn't Chris Wells, he will cause some problems for opposing defenses.

Wells did not have another player besides Herron to step in and take some heat off him, but Herron now has two other players that will make the Buckeyes' backfield effective.

Not only do they have an athletic quarterback who can run in Terrelle Pryor, but they also have Brandon Saine returning from injury and the young freshman Jaamal Berry who was the Buckeyes' star recruit of the 2009 incoming class.

Brandon Saine has been plagued with minor injuries that have caused him to sit much of the last two seasons, but when he did play, he was a threat in the passing game.

His biggest strength is his catching ability out of the backfield, and he can also line up in the slot if needed. This opens up the potential for a few trick plays here and there.

In 2007, he rushed for 267 yards, and like Herron last season, he was the backup to Wells during his best season in Columbus. He added 160 receiving yards in the '07 season, and he averaged 13 yards a catch.

He has not lived up to the high expectations Buckeye fans had for him as of yet, but this is the year he can show it—It's now or never!

He will not be a backup to one of the best running backs in the nation, so he should get plenty of play-making opportunities.

With the recent news about Carlos Hyde, I don't know if Jaamal Berry will redshirt this season, but it's unlikely and he would certainly be a valuable asset to the backfield.

He is a back that explodes with speed and has power to back it up. He has great vision, toughness, and power. He's essentially a smaller, faster version of Chris Wells.

Will Berry be as good as Wells was ultimately?

Maybe not, but time will tell.

Wells was a very gifted and talented back, and that kind of player is not generally so easily replaced.

The bottom line is that this year in Columbus will mainly be about Terrelle Pryor.

Teams will be focusing on Pryor and how they can hope to contain him. In a weeks time, it will prove difficult for teams to game plan for how Pryor moves in the pocket and around, and down the field.

Then there are the three running backs who all add a unique part to this offense.

I think a key to the Buckeyes' offense is to immediately take advantage of their opponents' lack of familiarity with the new Buckeye backfield.

If they make defenses fear the running backs, it opens up everything for this offense and if Pryor can replicate his Spring game performance passing the ball, watch out!

With Pryor, a preseason Heisman candidate pick by most prognosticators, and three running backs to have to prepare for, and a young, but talented crop of receivers, it will prove to be a great challenge to any and all defenses that will face the 2009 Buckeyes.

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