How Does Zeke Elliott Compare To These Buckeye Greats?

Keith Byars

Keith Byars had the combination of power and speed that no previous Buckeye tailback had ever possessed. And if not for an injury prior to his senior season Byars would almost certainly  have finished his college career as the second leading rusher in Ohio State history.

His sophomore season was a breakout year for Byars as he rushed for 1,199 yards and 20 touchdowns. He also proved to be valuable in the receiving game as well, with 23 catches for 359 yards and three more touchdowns.

Byars’ junior season was one of the best any Buckeye tailback has ever had. He rushed for 1,764 yards and 22 touchdowns, and caught 42 balls for 479 yards and two more touchdowns. Byars finished second to Doug Flutie in the Heisman voting after the 1984 season.

He was the Heisman favorite entering his senior season but a foot injury caused him to miss the first five games and limited his playing time the rest of the season. Byars’ 55 rushes for 213 yards raised his career total to 3,200 rushing yards. His 882 receiving yards in his four years at Ohio State put him over the 4,000 yard mark in total yards for his career. His 46 rushing touchdowns are still the second most by a Buckeye

Any Buckeye fan who watched Keith Byars run will tell you he could run over a tackler or right past them. And he didn’t have to be wearing both shoes.

Against Illinois in 1984 Ohio State fell behind 24-0. then coach Earle Bruce turned the game over to Byars. He ran for 274 yards and 5 touchdowns and the Buckeyes pulled out a 45-38 victory. On Byars’ fourth TD he lost his shoe in the middle of the 67 yard run, but still beat the defensive backs to the end zone.

Anyone who watched Keith Byars play at Ohio State remember him as one of Ohio State’s greatest running backs of all time.

Next: #4 Chris Wells