Ohio State Football: The top ten recruits of the Urban Meyer era

It was really hard for me to decide who the best running back was between Zeke and J.K. Dobbins. In the end, I went with Dobbins. He was simply sensational in the three years he was in Columbus, even if his best season was under Ryan Day as head coach.

Dobbins was a member of the 2017 recruiting class. He was listed as a four-star running back out of the state of Texas. I’d say he played more like a five-star guy and was one of the best running backs in the entire country by the time his tenure was over.

In that fantastic 2019 season, Dobbins set Ohio State football records. He ran for a school-record 2,003 yards. He also had 21 touchdowns on the ground and added 2 more receiving. Dobbins was the focal point of a lethal offense that should have had an opportunity to play for a national title.

Dobbins is also second in career rushing yards in Ohio State history, rushing for 4,459 yards in just three seasons. He sits only behind two-time Heisman Trophy winner Archie Griffin on that list. The thing I loved about Dobbins so much is that he ran angry. He always finished his runs.

Dobbins was drafted by the Ravens in 2020 and played well as a rookie before missing all of this season with an injury. Dobbins may not have been quite the fan-favorite that Zeke was, but he was the better running back in my opinion.

The last player on this list is the best Ohio State football player I’ve ever seen come through the university.