Ohio State football: Have I underestimated this guy?

The Ohio State football team has many great players, including one I may have underestimated.

I need to begin this article by issuing an apology to Ohio State true freshman running back Evan Pryor. I may have greatly underestimated him.

Don’t misunderstand, I did not underestimate his talent. He’s an enormously talented player who I firmly believe is going to contribute heavily to the future success of the Buckeyes. What I may have underestimated is his ability to contribute to the success of the Ohio State football team this year.

Pryor came to the Buckeyes as the nation’s number six running back. He’s not exactly an under-the-radar recruit. But, he’s been overshadowed by the nation’s top running back in the 2021 class, TreVeyon Henderson.

Pryor had a good Spring overall, but did not look very comfortable in the Spring Game. Although I felt he could contribute on special teams, I did not think he was ready to make a grab for a regular role. My thinking on that has changed.

So, what changed my mind? Pryor had his black stripe removed the other day. I did not expect to see this so soon. Removal of the stripe is not a guarantee of playing time. It is simply a symbolic gesture to show a player is now an official member of the team.

But, when I combine the lost stripe with reports of what a good camp he is having, I can’t help but believe Pryor is someone who can contribute to the Buckeyes this season. But is there room for him to contribute? That’s the question that now comes to mind.

The Ohio State running backs group is a crowded one and I can’t see the regular rotation being more than a couple of players deep. Pryor will have to claw his way past some talented guys to be a part of it. It will not be easy, but he’s talented enough to do so.

At just 198 pounds, a redshirt season may be the better thing for Pryor. He can spend the year getting bigger and stronger. But, he may be too talented to keep on the sidelines for all of 2021. I’m not going to be shocked to see him on the field against Minnesota on September 2nd. You shouldn’t be either.