Carlos Hyde: Stepping Up

Hyde exploded for the first five games

At the beginning of the 2011 season, someone needed to step up and lead the Ohio State running backs with Boom Herron and Jordan Hall suspended.  Jaamal Berry was expected to become the starter but injuries sidelined him.  That someone to step up was Carlos Hyde.

Hyde lead the team in rushing against Akron and Toledo before Jordan Hall returned against Miami.  He had his first 100-yard rushing game in Lincoln against Nebraska that was helped by the 63-yard touchdown run.

However, since the return of Boom Herron after the Nebraska game, Hyde had seen little time on the field against Illinois and Wisconsin.  That changed in the Indiana game.  With Jordan Hall nursing a sore ankle that he injured on his big kick return that set up the game-winning touchdown pass against Wisconsin, the Buckeyes needed someone to step up again.

That someone was Carlos Hyde.  Hyde was one of three Buckeyes along with Herron and Braxton Miller to top 100 yards rushing against the Hoosiers.  The sophomore took the rock 15 times for 105 yards and a touchdown. Even when Jordan Hall is healthy, Hyde should still see the field.  He has a burst that is not seen very often with a back of his size.  Just over six foot and nearly 240 pounds, Hyde is a powerful runner.



Hyde is capable of making big plays, like this one vs. Nebraska

Powerful runners are needed if you want to win in the Big Ten.  Boom Herron is not going to be able to run the ball every play, so backups will be needed to spell him.  The Buckeyes have a few good backs behind him that are ready to step up, including Carlos Hyde.