Ohio State football: Running back depth being challenged
By Del Barris
And then there were three. That is the total number of scholarship running backs the Ohio State football team has after redshirt freshman Evan Pryor suffered a season-ending knee injury. Just three. This is a concern because it is such a long season. The Buckeyes’ running backs coach Tony Alford knows depth is needed,
"“You have to have depth. We’ve seen games where a couple guys in one game just go down. So you’ve got to have depth.”"
On the surface, you might be wondering why there is a depth issue. The Buckeyes have what might be the top running back duo in college football with Tre’Veyon Henderson and Miyan Williams. The problem is what is behind them. Dallen Hayden is just a true freshman. A very talented true freshman, but still a true freshman. His learning curve has been accelerated greatly with Pryor’s injury.
So, what happens if one of these three goes down with an injury that may last multiple games? If it is Hayden, you may see them ride it out with Henderson and Williams, and hope one of the three walk-ons on the roster can provide some help in very limited spot duty. An injury to the top two could force someone on the roster into a position change. The most likely candidate is linebacker Chip Trayanum.
The Buckeyes recruited Trayanum when he was at Archbishop Hoban in Akron. He ultimately chose Arizona State because he wanted to play running back-OSU wanted him as a linebacker. In his time with the Sun Devils, he rushed for nearly 700 yards and ten touchdowns. He would be a very capable addition to the Buckeyes’ running back position.
On the defensive side of the ball, he is having an excellent fall camp and is making a push for significant playing time. But, the Buckeyes have plenty of capable linebackers-they don’t have a lot of running backs. If moving Trayanum is needed, the linebacker group should still be okay.
Next. Ohio State Football: Five-str recruit back on radar. dark
The hope is Henderson, Williams, and Hayden all stay healthy throughout the year. Unfortunately, it is such a long season, football is a very physical game, and running backs take a pounding. I don’t doubt one of these three (or more) will miss time at some point.