The Ohio State football program had a few injury issues during the spring. They were not able to have their full team available to show the fans what this season will look like. In a way, some of those players were forgotten by the fan base. That's especially true for players who aren't starters.
Yet, some of those players shouldn't be sent to the back of fans' minds. That's especially true for one of the running backs on the roster. Three backs were out of the Spring Game with injuries. These backs might be the top three running backs on the depth chart.
Isaiah West is one of the backs who was out in the spring. He emerged last season as the backup running back as a freshman. Fans seemed to have forgotten about him, but they shouldn't. In fact, West could end up being a massive part of the offense this year.
Ohio State running back needs to be remembered this year
In a reserve role last season, West recorded 59 carries for 310 yards and two touchdowns. He shared carries with Bo Jackson. Jackson is the established starter, even though he was also recovering from an injury this spring. As the starter, Jackson isn't getting forgotten, though.
West is a solid ball-carrier who can handle a large load. He was able to average 5.3 yards per carry, and that was his first year in college. This year, he should be playing behind a better offensive line, and his experience will help him get more yards in a more efficient manner.
Of course, the Ohio State Buckeyes are hoping that the four returning offensive linemen will not be the worst unit on the field, as they were a year ago. That was the biggest problem that the team saw at the end of the year. West should have those issues reduced.
Isaiah West will be part of a dynamic offense for the Buckeyes
The Ohio State football program should have the best offense in the country. Obviously, the run game will become a bigger part of the offense with Arthur Smith becoming the offensive coordinator. He has proven that he can scheme up plays that open up holes for guys to run through.
Jeremiah Smith is the most dangerous weapon in football. He can't be stopped on the outside, so the passing game is going to be tough to stop, too. Julian Sayin should be a better quarterback this year, as well. It's his second year as a starter, and that will only further the running game.
All of these factors should help West have a stronger season as a sophomore. He is going to share a fair number of snaps because of how talented he is. The question with West is whether or not he can hold off Legend Bey, who showed off a lot during spring practice.
West will still be able to get a lot of playing time and should be able to contribute to an offense that could set records.
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