Ohio State: Breaking Down the Running Backs

Ohio State lost a number of key juniors to the NFL this season, including starting tailback Antonio Pittman. Somewhat overlooked because of Troy Smith and Ted Ginn, Pittman put together back-to-back 1,000 yard seasons. Pittman had a solid workout at the NFL combine and is projected as a second round pick.

Pittman shared time this season with freshman standout Chris "Beanie" Wells, who will take over as the starting RB. The former five-star had some issues with fumbling as a freshman, but so did Eddie George. Wells exploded for a key touchdown run against Michigan's vaunted run defense in The Game. He is expected to carry a heavy load since Ohio State is breaking in a new QB and lost it's top 2 WR's.

Wells will be backed up by junior Maurice Wells, who considered transferring this offseason but ultimately decided to stay in Columbus. A four-star recruit from Florida, he felt that ACC or SEC schools might better use a player of his skill set. I don't disagree, as the coaching staff seems content to run him into the middle of the line. They should utilize his speed on draws, screen and off-tackle plays. But I digress...joining Wells and Wells are two standout freshmen from this year's class. Brandon Saine and Daniel "Boom" Herron are both four-star recruits from Ohio that were offered by Michigan. Saine was ranked the #5 RB in the country, while Herron was #18. Both are expected to contribute this season.

The Buckeyes will add at least one quality prospect in the 2008 class. That player will most likely be Devoe Torrence, brother of 2007 Ohio State commit Devon Torrence. Torrence, a top-notch linebacker last year, and has drawn offers from Michigan and a number of other top schools. Long considered an Ohio State lock, there was cause for worry when Torrence announced that OSU and Michigan were "50/50". Apparently Michigan coaches told him that OSU would bury him on the bench at LB, while could quickly start at RB for the Wolverines. That turned out to be a bold-faced lie, as Michigan is now saying Sam McGuffie is the only RB they offered.

Other highly-rated targets include Richard Watson (Florida) and Josh Haden (Maryland). The Buckeyes were in on Watson very early, but he could be shut out if Torrence commits. Haden's brother chose Florida over Ohio State, and there's nothing to indicate he won't join his brother at UF. There are a couple of intriguing in-state players that are still under consideration. Darius Ashley from St. Xavier's in Cincinnati and Isiah Pead from Columbus Eastmoor could get an offer down the road.