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Ohio State Running Back Situation Getting Interesting

By Charlie Lockhart

Sep 3, 2016; Columbus, OH, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes running back Demario McCall (30) runs for a touchdown in the third quarter against the Bowling Green Falcons at Ohio Stadium. Ohio State won the game 77-10. Mandatory Credit: Greg Bartram-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 3, 2016; Columbus, OH, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes running back Demario McCall (30) runs for a touchdown in the third quarter against the Bowling Green Falcons at Ohio Stadium. Ohio State won the game 77-10. Mandatory Credit: Greg Bartram-USA TODAY Sports /
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How will the Ohio State running back situation shake out?

After six days of spring practices the Ohio State running back situation is getting interesting. Mike Weber is still the starter, but the battle for the backup position is heating up.

It appeared going into spring practices that Antonio Williams had the edge to be the No, 2 running back behind Weber. Some wondered just how J.K. Dobbins would fit into the mix because he was an all-purpose back. Sophomore Demario McCall appeared to be the leader at the H-Back position.

Now things have changed in just a short period of time. Here is what Patrick Murphy of 247 Sports reported today:

"J.K. Dobbins has passed Antonio Williams on the running back depth chart and is now battling with Demario McCall for the backup spot according to Meyer. He also said he’s seen some maturity out of starter Mike Weber."

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It was also reported in the article that Williams was out today with a hamstring issue.

I have heard nothing but good things about Dobbins since he enrolled at Ohio State. It was thought he may grow into a three down back but that it may take a while. He has gained weight and is up to 208 pounds on a 5-10 frame, so it appears he is already ready to handle running between the tackles often.

McCall played at somewhere around 180 pounds last year but is now listed at 5-9, 195 pounds. He was effective at running inside last season but was too light for a steady diet of it, but possibly not now.

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Of course McCall is bound to share time with Parris Campbell at the H-Back next season as well. It will be interesting going forward to see how Ohio State offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson utilizes these running backs. However it plays out, he is going to have plenty of talent at his disposal.

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