The Backfield: An Embarrassment of Riches

The man that started it all.

Ohio State has always had a stellar run game.(save for 2004) We've even had the luxury of having at least one game breaker taking the majority of the carries. Eddie gave way to Pepe Pearson. Pepe was followed by Michael Wiley. Wiley was proceeded by Jonathan Wells, Mo C, then someone I didn't like and most don't either because he stunk it up. Then we had Antonio Pittman, Beanie and his stiff arm. That led to Boom and Zoom last season which brings us to now. Boom, Zoom and 100 other guys that want to, and are very capable of seeing significant time on the field. Most programs should be so lucky, unless they're TTUN. Screw them.

I didn't forget you, Raymont.

Bo Delande, Jaamal Berry, Zach Boren, James Georgiades, Jordan Hall, Dan Herron, Adam Homan, Jermil MArtin(who is rumored to be transferring), Rod Smith, Carlos Hyde, and Brandon Saine. "A pair and a spare" is what some say is the key to a successful running game. Last season there was a pair and 2 spares in Jordan Hall and Jermil Martin. And then you also have to throw mini-Boren in the mix taking a couple carries a game, and catching a few well-timed passes as well. On top of that, there's some guy by the name of Terrelle Pryor that can run the ball pretty well too. Hopefully he runs it less, but hey, it works. Boom and Zoom(or Zoom and Boom if you're like me) are the pair, they have been for a while now. Who should "start"? Who's in the running to be the spare(s)?
(Primary) Starter - Brandon Saine (Sr.) - Most would tend to agree, Zoom offers greater versatility in the starting tailback position that Boom. He can run up the gut, around the edge, catch passes and is a serviceable blocker. He makes the opposing defense guess what we're going to use him as. He's even started to show big play ability at the end of last season. He's no Eddie or Beanie but he should be the starter. After Boom started the season as our number 1 tailback, Zoom garnered most of the carries and took over that role by mid season. He should keep it, barring catastrophe or major changes. The question remains though; can Zoom take the bulk of the carries? Or are we still looking at a 60-40 split?

Yup, that's a hole.

Dan Herron(Jr.) - He was the guy last year that showed up at the end of camp as the "starter". He won the job. Yet as the season went on, Saine came in and took over. Maybe that was due to a couple of injuries or maybe it was because of what happens on the field. My guess is a little of both. Boom has the most big play ability from what we've seen so far. He has more touchdown runs of 20 yards or longer than anyone else on the team. He's tough, quick and tends to hold on to the ball. However, he has a propensity for getting tripped up when he has one of two men to beat, and I know that frustrates a lot of people. He doesn't pick his feet up and gets shoe strung by the defender and goes down. That's my only knock against him really, other than the fact that he hasn't shown the pass-catching ability of Zoom.

Almost as excited as I was. I bet I drank more though..

Jordan Hall(So.) - 3rd place in yardage from the tailback position last season. Jordan saw significant playing time against Toledo, New Mexico(90 yard game) and Illinois. From that point on he was given spotty playing time as the other backs got healthy again. For me the biggest thing going for Jordan is his familiarity with Pryor, since they went to high school together(I can't wait til i go to height school). This isn't to say that Jordan showed flashes of brilliance last year and has some serious talent, it's just that I have limited game film to make a better case.

Jermil Martin(So.) - Was the 4th back last year, and is rumored to be transferring to Youngstown State soon. I can't really blame him, he's only got 4 years of eligibility and he's gotta make the best of them. The thing I like about Jermil is his size and power. He's gonna make the defender pa for trying to tackle him. He doesn't have the speed that Beanie did/still does at that size but few people do. In any other year he'd probably be moved to the full back position but with Zach Boren and Adam Homan likely filling those spots that's not an attractive option either. And here's where it gets interesting.......

Jaamal Berry(Fr.) - The guy runs a 4.31 40 and checks in around 200 lbs. 4.31 40, I had to say it again. A speed back that isn't afraid to take a hit. While I don't see him as a threat to crack the top 2 spots Jordan Hall should be concerned. It is my opinion that Jaamal could use that speed and see significant playing time as a return man. Especially since that is an area of much needed improvement for this team. Just stay out of the dog house, unlike Ray Ray the rapper.

Carlos Hyde(Fr.) - Ahhhhhh Mr. Hyde. We've been expecting you. Big, bruising power back with quick feet and adequate speed at 4.5 40 yard dash. Not bad for a guy that weighs 238 lbs. Lemme tell ya, I weigh close to that and I'm nowhere near that fast. Never have been, never will be. Some say Hyde has the best shot at being the 3rd back in our rotation this season. He'll have to earn it. Hopefully he picked up the same work ethic at Eddie George at Fork Union.

Roderick Smith (Fr.) - 220lbs, 4.6 40 yard dash. Top 10 in rushing in Indiana state history. Obviously he's no bum. Possesses good cut-back ability, size and acceleration. Would likely see significant playing time anywhere else but OSU. It appears that Roderick is burried on the depth chart, but surprises happen and nothing is set for sure.

The Rest of the Pack - Adam Griffin(Fr.) will most likely see time at special teams but also has experience playing defensive back. If he has his father's work ethic, which is likely because it's contagious, he'll make an impact in some way or another. DeLande, and Georgiades will likely also see special teams duty covering kicks and scout team work. Homan will likely be the same as well as back up full back behind Boren, who has that position locked up for the next 3 years in my mind.

Zach Boren (So.) 1st String Fullback - Big, angry and can also catch the ball. Boren has this position locked up for the next 3 season. I love him simply for his hatred of scUM. I wanted to keep him separate because anyone that plays fullback has a special place in my heart. All guts and seldom any glory. Offensive linemen always complain about not getting any press, try playing fullback.

Any way that this "problem" shapes up, OSU is in a great position. I don't recall an Ohio State team being this deep at any position in my life time. One thing is for sure though, nothing is set in stone and depth charts are for the most part fluid. Whoever works the hardest and makes the plays will get the lion's share of carries and help lead this team to victory.