Ohio State Recruiting: Your 2016 Buckeyes Class

Antonio Williams- North Stanly (New London, NC)

Size: 5’11”- 210 lbs.

Position: RB (#7 RB, 4 stars)

At one time the Buckeyes thought that they had an embarrassment of riches signed at the running back position. Between McCall, Walker, and George Hill, the Buckeyes had three of the country’s top 10 backs committed. During that time, Williams was committed to North Carolina, and then Wisconsin up until October of last year.

The Buckeyes had offered him early on, and they ramped up their contact with him when the rumblings surrounding Kareem Walker’s departure came. Williams reopened his recruitment, but it didn’t take long for him to find his third, and final, school. A week after decommitting from Wisconsin, he made the trip to Columbus for the Penn State game. The result of that visit was a commitment.

Williams is very similar to Ezekiel Elliott in both size and running style. He might not possess quite the break away speed that Elliott showed so often, but he has show great vision in hitting holes. He also runs with a lot of power, which should only increase as he goes through the weight program.

Mike Weber and Bri’onte Dunn will fight for carries this year. Williams has enrolled early, though, and he will have a chance to make a splash in spring practice. Weber was very close to becoming the second running back in the two-deep last year, as a true freshman, but he tore his meniscus and ultimately redshirted.

Dunn has never hit his stride since coming to Ohio State as a highly touted recruit, and there aren’t a lot of expectations for him this year. It is not unreasonable to think that Williams could see legitimate carries this year. Much of that will depend on if Weber can prove himself ready of being the featured back. If he is not able to establish himself, the backfield will be wide open for Williams to make an immediate impact.