Scarlet and Game
Fansided

Ohio State Football: The forgotten RB that could have an impact in 2023

By Frank Teriaca

Aug 4, 2022; Columbus, OH, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes running back Evan Pryor (21) runs during the first fall football practice at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center. Mandatory Credit: Adam Cairns-The Columbus DispatchOhio State Football First Practice
Aug 4, 2022; Columbus, OH, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes running back Evan Pryor (21) runs during the first fall football practice at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center. Mandatory Credit: Adam Cairns-The Columbus DispatchOhio State Football First Practice /
facebooktwitterreddit

The Ohio State football team has a plethora of offensive weapons for 2023. Running back Evan Pryor shouldn’t be forgotten.

The Ohio State football team resumes spring practices today but will be without a trio of running backs once again. Miyan Williams and TreyVeon Henderson are out with injuries but recovering well. But it’s the third back who’s still returning from an ACL injury that could have a nice impact in 2023.

Third-year back and former four-star, top-100 national player Evan Pryor is an exciting player and was gaining momentum last fall camp before a knee injury derailed his 2022 season. Before the injury, Pryor had all the makings of a weapon with the ball in his hands as he displayed excellent speed and a good amount of wiggle to elude would-be tacklers.

Pryor has only seen action during the 2021 season in which he ran for 98 yards on 21 carries in four games. Pryor came into Columbus with much anticipation as he and Henderson were to fix the running back room following the departure of JK Dobbins. And while Henderson was putting up monster numbers as a freshman, Pryor was still trying to add weight to his frame in order to be able to take the toll that a Big Ten back takes on his body.

But 2023 is a new season. And while Pryor is still out this spring, he is expected to be ready in time for fall camp. And with Dallan Hayden showing so much promise last season, it’s going to be important for Pryor to hit the ground running so he doesn’t get passed up.

Even if Pryor has a limited role, he can still help Ohio State in 2023. I know the Buckeyes don’t like making running backs defined by certain roles, but Pryor is a prototypical third-down back with his shiftiness and ability to catch the ball out of the backfield. And with Ohio State breaking in a new quarterback, a player like that could be used to their advantage.

Next. Grading the 2022 Coaching Staff. dark

I’m looking forward to seeing what Pryor can do next season. Hopefully, his knee is fully healed, and we can see what he has to offer.

Home/Ohio State Football