Ohio State Football: Two units that must progress this spring

Running Back

I am definitely on record saying J.K. Dobbins was a co-favorite player of mine the last three years.  The other was Branden Bowen.

Like Coombs, Tony Alford has his work cut out for him. The cupboard is not bare.  It’s also not full of household names either.

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No one should be seriously alarmed. If you go back 15 years, it’s not like Ohio State has recruited a pipeline of five-star running backs every year.

A couple of times there wasn’t a running back in the class. Only Chris Wells and Ezekiel Elliott came in as sure bets.

Dobbins, Dan Heron, Carlos Hyde and Mike Weber all became great by putting in the work. Master Teague, Steele Chambers and Marcus Crowley will do the same.

After rushing for 789 yards and four touchdowns last season, Teague is the favorite to start.

There is some concern because he did not play as well against Clemson. Those concerns are overblown.  Seven carries against the No. 6 defense during moments when the momentum was on the Tigers’ side is not a fair way to assess Teague.

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Chambers and Crowley will push him though.  I suspect it will be a committee to start the season, but the player that elevates his game against Oregon will seal it.