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Ohio State Football: More Praise for the Running Backs

By Charlie Lockhart

Nov 5, 2016; Columbus, OH, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes running back Mike Weber (25) runs during the first half against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Ohio Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 5, 2016; Columbus, OH, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes running back Mike Weber (25) runs during the first half against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Ohio Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports /
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It could be a great situation for Ohio State running back coach Tony Alford.

Fans have to like what they are hearing about the Ohio State running backs and h-backs lately. It seems that something positive is said about the backfield every time one of the coaches is interviewed.

Patrick Murphy of 247 Sports reported what Tony Alford had to say yesterday in a media session and the running back coach said Mike Weber is growing up. Evidently Weber is preparing himself better physically and is becoming a better leader to the younger guys.

That’s good news to hear in both cases. First, If he is in better shape physically, some of those eight yard runs he almost broke but didn’t, may lead to 50 yard touchdown runs. Second, if he can be an effective leader for Demario McCall and J.K. Dobbins, this trio could be dynamic.

And speaking of McCall, coach Alford and wide receiver Zach Smith are fighting over him. Each coach wants him to be a part of their unit.

McCall was supposedly going to be the primary h-back this season which means he would be in Zone 6 under coach Smith’s tutelage. He beefed up, Parris Campbell is impressing everybody at h-back, so it looks like McCall could mainly play at the running back position.

I think coach Alford is going to win this battle. Here is what McCall had to say as reported on another article by Patrick Murphy of 247 Sports:

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"“I actually haven’t got any reps at H-Back this spring,” he updated. “I’ve been fully with the tailbacks because we’re running a little short.”"

Now listen to what coach Alford had to say about the battle for McCall:

"“Well, who do I have to fight,” he asked. “If I have to fight Urban, no.“I’ll fight Zach. I’ll fight Zach in downtown City Hall.”"

I would say Demario McCall must be having a pretty good spring to start a fight among coaches.

It’s kind of astonishing with all of the good news coming out daily about the Ohio State backfield, especially with young guys like McCall and Dobbins in the mix. Usually there is silence about the unit in that situation, or you hear something about what the players need to work on.

Next: Last Call for the Outstanding 2013 Class

That bodes well heading into the 2017 season. There should be plenty of players available in the backfield, and with different skill sets. It should make for a flexible and dynamic rushing attack.

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