All Time Buckeye Greats: Through The Woody Hayes Era

Jim Otis, another one of Woody’s great fullbacks, was the engine of the Buckeyes’ offense in Ohio State’s run to the national title in 1968. Otis set the Ohio State rushing record that season with 985 yards and scored 17 touchdowns in only 10 games.

Otis’ ability to run between the tackles opened up the option play for quarterback Rex Kern and halfbacks John Brockington and Leo Hayden. Also, counters and sweeps by Larry Zelina who averaged almost nine yards a carry.

The following season Otis became Ohio State’s first 1,000 yard rusher and scored another 15 touchdowns in only nine games. In 1969 was a consensus first team All-American and finished seventh in the Heisman voting.

After graduating from Ohio State, Otis had a successful nine year NFL career and was selected to the Pro Bowl in 1975 when he led the NFC in rushing with 1,076 yards.

But Otis will primarily be remembered as one of coach Woody Hayes’ great fullbacks.

When he was finished running through opposing defenses for the Buckeyes he was  the all time leading rusher at Ohio State. He also held the record for rushing touchdowns with 34 while playing only 27 games for the Buckeyes.

Jim Otis was inducted into the Ohio State Varsity O Hall of Fame in 1996, and was selected to the Ohio State Football All-Century Team.

Next: Jack Tatum 1968-1970