All Time Buckeye Greats: Through The Woody Hayes Era

One of Woody Hayes’ greatest fullbacks he ever coached was also one of his last, Pete Johnson. Not only was he the lead blocker for two time Heisman Trophy winner Archie Griffin, he was a great runner himself.

Johnson shared the fullback duties during his freshman and sophomore seasons but excelled in 1975 when he became the starter. He rushed for 1,059 yards and led the nation in rushing touchdowns with 25 and scored 156 points, both Ohio State single season records to this day.

During the season Johnson had an especially memorable day against North Carolina. He ran for 148 yards and his five rushing touchdowns set an Ohio State record that has only been matched once, by Keith Byers in the 1984 season. Johnson also rushed for 150 yards against Indiana that same year.

The following season Johnson rushed for 724 yards and 19 touchdowns. This brought his career total to 55 rushing touchdowns, which at the time was a Big Ten record, and is still the most in school history.

Johnson finished his career with 2,308 yards rushing second only to Jim Otis among Ohio State fullbacks. And his 348 points scored has only been eclipsed by kicker Mike Nugent.

Johnson’s accomplishments are even more impressive when considering this fact. Coach Woody Hayes switched to an I-formation during Johnson’s time at Ohio State, and he was never the featured running back.  

Pete Johnson was inducted into The Ohio State Varsity O Hall of Fame in 2007 and was voted to the Ohio State Football All-Century Team.

Johnson had a successful NFL career. In seven seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals, he set team records with 5,421 rushing yards and scored 70 touchdowns. But Pete Johnson will always be remembered as Woody’s last great fullback.