Spring Finals: Running Back

We all know by now that spring has come and gone, football wise that is, so we will be taking a look into all the positions, tell you how they did, and where they might be this fall. Today's topic is Running back.

The running back is my favorite position on any team. They have to carry the ball and run between the tackles, and it takes so much strength, agility, and a knack for finding that open hole. At OSU, it's elevated even more. We've had so many great running backs including Mr. Two Timer, Eddie George, Beanie Wells, Keith Byars, etc. This year it gets even better as we are completely overloaded on the front of running back. So many people could earn starting spots, it's almost surprising some of them didn't redshirt. The huge storyline of this year is that the depth of this group is greater than ever before. That might be true, and could work out well. Or, it could be a bad thing to have too much like we do, because of people wanting to transfer for not getting playing time. It's going to be a tough thing to do when it's time for Coach Tressel to announce the depth charts for this fall.



Depth Chart Prediction

1. Brandon Saine - The senior from Piqua returns after starting most of the season in 2009, and looks to build on a very productive year. Saine and Herron shared some time and didn't make the big flashy plays, but when they were called upon, they delivered. Saine will earn back his role from last season, but a starter here, especially this season, means the majority carries. Tressel would be very smart to use all the backs he can.
2. Daniel Herron - Boom Herron had a pretty good sophomore year, finishing with 600 total yards. He and Saine will continue to do battle on the field for that starting spot, and that is only going to end up helping the Buckeyes in the long run. Of course, have mercy on all the defenses that face Ohio State this year.
3. Jaamal Berry - Toughest choice right here, but with all the hype, and Berry apparently answering the call in practices, I have to give this spot to Berry. I think he will get over the injury bug, and will have a terrific opening year. Last year was supposed to be his debut, but sidelined with a hamstring injury kept him from gaining any stats at all. This spot could be the most exciting match-up, with Hall and Hyde vying for that 3rd spot.
4. Jordon Hall - There are many Hall supporters among the Buckeye blogging world, but I'm not one of them. He has been compared to Antonio Pittman, but I didn't like him much either. There is something about speed backs that don't like to go inside that bug me. Hall's experience is going to make him a close contender for that third spot, but eventually Berry will most likely win out. Hyde is right on his heels, and he can't give an inch.
5. Carlos Hyde - Obviously if Hall got #4, then Hyde is going to be right on his tail. Carlos Hyde is the typical Ohio State back. He's been given some comparisons to Beanie Wells, with his speed and bulk. We saw a little of him in the Spring Game, with 6 carries for 26 yards. As the season continues, he might earn the spot ahead of Berry or Hall, but for now, I think Hall just has more experience.
6. Roderick Smith - At this point on the depth chart, it won't matter to the point of games. This is the role of getting experience and going in the last minute to log, in blow-outs. Don't get me wrong, Rod Smith is a great back and has huge potential. It's the role that comes with the job. He is a freshman, so you could definitely say he's got some time left on this team. Special teams might be a good spot to put him in for now as well as RB.
7. Jermil Martin - After switching from fullback to running back, there was speculation that he would return to his old position, and I'm still all for it. Martin would have to gain some weight, but his speed could be killer from coming out from behind the line on a bubble or swing route. If you see him in the backfield, he is dangerous because he can catch and run, with great agility.
8. Bo Delande - Although he impressed some people in the Spring Game, Bo will have to keep waiting his turn for an opening. He has so much talent ahead of him, he's got to work that much harder to keep getting minutes. It's going to be tough to keep going, but he gets to be a part of something great. In his Junior year now, he will most likely not see the field much. He too could be on special teams due to his athleticism.

How They Did

Brandon Saine: For the majority of Spring camps and practices (including the Spring Game) Saine was out with an injury. Saine, before that, was doing work on a daily basis. After a fantastic winter lift/training, Saine was back to earn his spot once again.

Daniel Herron: While Saine nurses his injury, Boom has been working his tail off trying to earn that number 1 spot. While Berry and co. have been right behind him waiting for a slip-up, Herron was ready at all times to carry the load. With his successful spring, he most likely has earned more minutes in game. We will see what his role will be.

Jaamal Berry: Jaamal Berry was having the spring of his life, when he got sidelined with a hamstring injury for the Spring Game. Before that he was making a strong case as to why he was the #3 running back recruit just 2 years ago. His game is explosive, always breaking for 20+ yards. He looks to bounce back after no playing last year, and an early injury this year.

Jordon Hall: Last season, Jordon Hall proved he could carry the football behind Boom and Zoom, against Toledo where he had his best game all season. Hall has had a quiet spring, but looks to get past that and earn some serious minutes in 2010. The former high school teammate of Terrelle Pryor is in the backfield again with him, and don't count him too little, as he's got a bang when he runs.

Carlos Hyde: After having academic problems last year, this will be his first year in a Buckeye uniform. Hyde is a tough running back, hitting the hole hard, but also with speed. He looks to have a great fall, and hopes to log some minutes in games.

Roderick Smith: Rod Smith has been having a nice spring, but not making enough noise to earn a lot of minutes this fall. I'm still impressed with him, as his is explosive and loves taking hits when he runs. I think he's got some of the most potential out of the backfield, so we will look to see what he can do this fall.

Bo Delande: Bo has reached his junior season with little success (5 yards in 2009), but he wants to try to do his best. He won't log too many minutes, but Tressel honors hard work, so I think next season when he's a senior, he could be put in more often.

Overall Depth: A+

With 3 running backs with game experience, 2 starters, and 3 backs that have so much talent you could drool, it was pretty easy giving this group an A+. With so much depth, it's probably one of the best stable in all of college football. The only team close to us would be Alabama who has 2 Heisman hopefuls in the same backfield. It's no surprise to anyone this is the team to be most excited about when there is so much potential into what can happen. I'm really looking forward to this season, and hope that Jim Tressel will use a rotation at some points in games. We will see what happens.