Ohio State football: Justin Fields could run more in 2020

The Ohio State football team was very fortunate to get Fields immediately eligible for last year. Now that there is more depth behind him, he might be even better this year.

Justin Fields was really good last year in his first year as Ohio State’s quarterback. In fact, he was a Heisman finalist and threw 41 touchdowns to only 3 interceptions all year long. He also threw for 3,273 yards. But even with all of those accolades, he still could’ve been more dangerous.

Early in the season, Fields was held back from using his legs as much as he is capable of doing. Even though he still ran for 10 touchdowns a season ago he wasn’t fully let off his leash. The reason for that was to protect him from injury.

Had Fields gotten hurt, there was no one behind him to take snaps. The backup was Gunnar Hoak and he didn’t have the full trust of the coaching staff. Now things have changed in the quarterback room. The Buckeyes still have Hoak, but they also have impressive freshman Jack Miller and C.J. Stroud.

Ohio State’s added depth could help Fields be even better

With that added depth behind Fields, Ryan Day and company will be able to fully unleash him. Day won’t be as afraid of Fields getting hurt because they have capable backups behind him now. Fields will now even be more dangerous with read options and running the ball.

Fields was dangerous in those read-option scenarios because he had J.K. Dobbins in the backfield with him as well. Trey Sermon is the next back to share the backfield with Fields. He is more than capable to help him be lethal in those types of plays.

Perhaps the most dangerous part of Fields’ running is his scrambling when the play breaks down. That is one thing that even Day couldn’t keep him from doing a year ago. That should continue to be an effective weapon in his arsenal in 2020.

Ohio State will go as far as Fields can take them. With another big year, he can be the number one draft in the NFL in 2021. Right now he’s also the favorite for the Heisman trophy. Using those legs more can give him that, and maybe the Buckeyes a national championship