Breaking Down the Running Backs

The Buckeyes will enter the season with talent returning at many positions, but they come in truly loaded at running back. The focus of the offense will be junior Chris “Beanie” Wells, last year’s leading rusher with over 1,600 yards and 15 TD’s. Wells single-handedly kept OSU in the title game against LSU, and the Akron native is gearing up for a run at the Heisman in 2008. But who else will tote the rock for the Buckeyes, who have a stable of gifted backs? And what will the Buckeyes look for in the 2009 recruiting class?

It all starts with Wells, who brings an unreal blend of power and speed to the table. As a freshman he showed some flashes despite some early fumbling problems. He broke out during the epic Michigan game and was poised to play a big role in the championship game…until Florida blew OSU out and rendered the running game useless. When healthy, he's the best player on the team, capable of explosive, game-changing runs. Of course the caveat of "when healthy" is rather significant, as Wells has struggled with injuries throughout his first two seasons. He sat out spring practices after wrist surgery, and still has a nagging ankle problem. Keeping him healthy may be the key to the season, and certainly for the marquee games on the schedule.

The backup spot behind a Heisman hopeful might not seem like an enviable job, but in a Jim Tressel offense there are plenty of carries to go around. With the talent in the backfield, the coaching staff experimented with a "Pony" formation this spring, utilizing two tailbacks in offset lineup. The formation provides flexibility and puts another weapon on the field for an already potent offense. Three backs are vying for the coveted number two slot: senior Maurice Wells, sophomore Brandon Saine, and redshirt freshman Daniel "Boom" Herron.

Wells has had an up-and-down career in Columbus; early on, the coaching staff seemed confused on how to use him. This led to a lot of groan-inducing runs into the line for 5'10" speed back. But the "other" Wells settled into a role last year, gaining nearly 400 yards and reaching double-digit carries in four games. He operates best in space, outside of the box and in areas where he can maximize his shiftiness.

Wells will be pushed hard by Saine, who many are expecting (waiting?) on to emerge as a star. He entered the program as a high 4-star recruit with blazing speed, holding Ohio state track records. Saine flashed potential early, scoring TD's in two of his first three games. But a knee injury forced him to miss three games, and he never really got untracked after returning. Fans are hoping he'll make the same type of sophomore leap that others backs have made, including Beanie. His ability to catch passes gives him an edge on the other backs for playing time.

A sometimes forgotten player in the equation is Boom Herron, another top recruit from the class of 2007. Despite weekly calls from fans and coaches alike, Herron was able to avoid burning his redshirt last season. Herron is smaller and not as fast as Saine, but he it would be foolish to underestimate his abilities. He's runs with great vision and burst and opened eyes during spring practice. In all likelihood, he will probably struggle to get meaningful carries early in the season. But He'll have a chance to get his feet wet and gain some valuable experience. Next year he and Saine will have to carry the load, so it's critical that he's ready.

Speaking of next season, the Buckeyes are going to need to bring a fresh stable of backs this offseason. Maurice Wells will be out of eligibility. And though he claims otherwise, it's very difficult to see Beanie staying for his senior year. Given his talent, propensity for injuries and the overall statute of limitations on running backs, he should be headed to the NFL. That will leave just two running backs on the roster, meaning the Buckeyes will need to replenish the roster in a big way.

They're off to a good start and hoping to make a big splash when it's all said and done. They have already received the verbal commitment of Jeannette's Jordan Hall, an all-purpose back who play a role similar to Lamaar Thomas. But the Buckeyes apparently hope to add at least two more running backs to this class. At the top of the list is Jaamal Berry, a top 100 prospect from south Florida. Berry is being recruited by Florida, Michigan, Auburn, Florida State and a number of other top programs. he's a game-breaking type back that could come in and make an instant impact, but he'll be tough to pull out of Florida. His official visit is scheduled for the Michigan game.

Two other names to watch are Carlos Hyde and Bud Golden. As we mentioned before, Hyde is a big power back, stylistically different from a player like Berry. With family ties to Ohio, his visit in June will be closely watched by Buckeye fans. Golden does not yet hold an offer and could be left out if the Buckeyes somehow get both Berry and Hyde.

(photo by The-OZone)