Ohio State Football: An in-depth look into running back room

As the kickoff to the season is within grasp, many Ohio State football fans are excited to watch Ohio State’s offense this season. While there has been some change, with record-setting quarterback and number two overall pick C.J. Stroud heading to his career with the Houston Texans, many wonder how this offense will look. However one of the most veteran lead groups is the running back room.

When you have the receiving room that Ohio State has, it can be easy to forget about the running backs. However, many will tell you that you have to set up the run before you can set up the pass. If you feel that way, then just know that the Ohio State football team has some awesome running backs this season!

Every single one of them brings their own unique skillset of explosiveness and power. Some are faster, some are power backs. Today we will return to our article special of taking a deep dive into position groups. If you would like to read in-depth about that receiving room, click here

Now we will look at each wide receiver on scholarship and see where they are from, their HS ranking, and how we feel they will contribute this season. We will begin with freshmen and end with seniors. All of these statistics are provided by the official Ohio State roster.

Dallan Hayden, Sophomore, Memphis, Tennessee

Hayden was able to get valuable playing time last season with the running back room dealing with some injuries. Hayden took his opportunity and made the best of it. Hayden played in ten games, and 553 yards, with 5 touchdowns to his name. He also had three 100-yard games as a true freshman.

Dallan Hayden’s freshman campaign was much better than many expected. Many thought he would most likely be a backup and watch the veterans of the room get carries.

Out of Christian Brothers High School, Hayden was a four-star recruit, with the home state Tennessee Volunteers and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish heavily recruiting him. However, running back’s coach Troy Alford was able to land his commitment in a generally tough place to recruit in SEC territory.

For this season, I think we will see more of Hayden and I think he will take somebody’s playing time. It could be similar to how we saw him getting more playing time in big situations last season. That shows you that Coach Ryan Day and Coach Alford have a lot of trust in this man, and his future as a Buckeye.

Role Prediction: In-Rotation with 1st team

Evan Pryor, Junior, Cornelius, North Carolina

Pryor has dealt with many injuries in his career as an Ohio State football player. When he has been healthy, he has looked explosive, one of the fastest players on the field. Coming out of North Carolina, he was a four-star in high school and was recruited by North Carolina heavily. However, he signed with the Buckeyes.

It is sad as you can see the talent when he has been healthy, and he has game-changing explosiveness and speed. Thankfully he has been healthy this season and we are hoping he will continue to be healthy to make his way back up the depth chart. Until then, he will be with the second team. Pryor does has three years of eligibility left. He can take this year to run with the second team and get back to his previous form.

Role Prediction: Second Team

TreVeyon Henderson, Junior, Hopewell, Virginia

Henderson burst onto the scene of college football and showed everyone he is the next big thing. As a Freshman All-American, he had 1,238 rushing yards. Heading into the 2022 season, he was considered to be one of the best running backs in all of college football.

This did not come as a surprise to some Ohio State fans, as he was a five-star recruit. Due to COVID recruiting restrictions, he never stepped foot onto Ohio State’s campus for a visit before he had already committed to play for the Buckeyes. Henderson and Coach Alford’s relationship was that strong.

Last year, however, Henderson dealt with a couple of injuries that held him back from the true power and speed that he had as a true freshman. Henderson was only able to play eight games.

Henderson is back, and healthier than ever. That should terrify just about any defensive coordinator who has the Ohio State football team on their schedule.

Henderson is the hands-down starter of this running back room. If he stays healthy and breaks out like he did in 2021, he will be a first-round draft pick. Ohio State football fans hope to see the return to his previous form. When TreVeyon Henderson is healthy, watch out college football world, because nobody is stopping him, except the end zone.

Role Prediction: Starter

Chip Trayanum, Senior, Akron, Ohio

What a journey Chip Trayanum’s collegiate career has been. Started off his career going many miles away from Akron and went to play football at Arizona State. While he was productive, he decided he would transfer back to his home state Buckeyes.

He was originally slated to play linebacker, but due to how banged up the running back room was, he returned to the running back position, where he played as a Sun Devil.

He stepped up and had his moments in big-time games. Coach Ryan Day has a lot of trust in this young man. He had an impressive game versus Michigan, who had one of the top rushing defenses in the nation.

I think Trayanum will be involved with the first team at times, but I think he will return to the second team and could be a featured back in certain situations. However, Buckeye fans should be happy to know that they have this young man in their running back room

Role Prediction: Second Team

Miyan Williams, Senior, Cincinnati, Ohio

What a steal the Buckeye’s got in Miyan Williams. He was originally committed to Iowa State for football, before Ohio State officially offered him, and landed his commitment. Williams really got at it in the weight room and it showed. He looked like a wrecking ball, and his play early showed it.

During the 2020 College Football Playoff, Williams trucked a Clemson defender and made a name for himself with Buckeye nation. They knew Williams was going to be a legit starter sooner rather than later.

While some saw him as a power back, Williams made it known he had some speed as he had a 71-yard touchdown run against Minnesota in his first start. While Henderson took over that 2021 season, Williams would have a great season in 2022.

Williams had 884 yards and 14 touchdowns to his name last year. Williams is a fan favorite, as many remember when they were first introduced to him in a game when he trucked that Clemson defender as mentioned before.

Standing at 5’9 226, Williams will get starting reps as well just like Henderson. Ohio State will likely run a two-back system so they can optimally use their two best running backs.

Many consider these two to be the best one-two punch in college football for running backs, and it is easy to see why. Miyan Williams will be with the first team, and many fans will be happy to see one of their favorite players continuing his so far great career as an Ohio State football player.

Role Prediction: Starter