Young Running Backs Ready To Step Up

Jordan Hall looks to be a major factor for the Buckeyes this fall.

Despite losing Brandon Saine to graduation and also losing Boom Herron for the first five games of 2011 due to his role in “Tatgate,” getting production out of the running back position should not be a problem for Ohio State.

While Herron is on the sidelines for the first five weeks, junior Jordan Hall and sophomore Jaamal Berry figure to get most of the touches at running back.  Also ready to fill in is Carlos Hyde and Rod Smith.

These four will need to produce to keep pressure off whoever the new starting quarterback will be.  Establishing a run game is something the coaches will look to do to keep defenses on their toes and making them unable to just pin their ears back and rush the passer.

Jordan Hall has shown his ability to make big plays in the kickoff game, and will be looking to prove himself as a running back.  Some of you may know that he went to the same high school as Terrelle Pryor (thanks, Brent Musberger, for this tidbit every time Hall touches a ball.)  Hall was a solid contributor to the running game last year when he got the chance, gaining 161 yards on 37 carries (4.4 YPC) with two touchdowns.  He also caught 8 passes for 81 yards with a touchdown.  And who can forget his 85-yard kickoff return for a touchdown against That School Up North.

Berry showed flashes of his ability in 2010, looks for more in 2011.

Another option for the Buckeyes for the first five games will be Jaamal Berry.  Berry showed flashes of brilliance in his freshman campaign, gaining 266 yards on just 32 carries (8.3 YPC) with his lone touchdown being a 67-yard run against Easter Michigan. 

While both Berry and Hall have shown their ability to be the number one guy, they will most likely split the carries in the fall, barring injury or one of them absolutely outplaying the other in spring ball.

Rod Smith and Carlos Hyde will be the backups to Hall and Berry for the first five games.  Smith is a redshirt freshman who was one of the top running backs in the class of 2010.  While Smith has tremendous size at 6’3”, 220 pounds, he also has good speed and the ability to make cuts at full speed.  He could battle Hall and Berry for the number one spot in 2012, if he makes the most of his first full season in Columbus.

Carlos Hyde is more of a power back and could see significant time in short-yardage situations this fall.  Standing at 6 foot even, Hyde has 238 pounds on his frame that makes him tough to bring down in between the tackles.

While all four are likely to see the field at some point in the first five games for the Buckeyes, Jordan Hall and Jaamal Berry will get the majority of the handoffs.  Rod Smith will look to get his hands on the ball and prove himself as a viable option in the Buckeye attack.  Carlos Hyde could also see a fair share of the ball in short-yardage and goal-to-go situations.

No matter who is on the field for Ohio State, they will be expected to produce and prove to Buckeye Nation that they belong to wear the Scarlet and Grey.