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Originally Posted by LordJeffBuck
Of the Buckeye backs that I have seen, I'd rank them ... based mostly on pure talent ... something like this:
1. Archie Griffin - all the records, 2 Heismans, a true legend
2. Maurice Clarett - so talented ... the great "what if?"
3. Beanie Wells - a throwback to Earl Campbell
4. Robert Smith - so smooth and fluid ... but the supporting cast (and coaching staff) was little help
5a. Keith Byars - a broken foot cost him a Heisman and the Buckeyes a shot at a national championship in 1985
5b. Eddie George - very productive in a very productive offense ... but a lot of guys would have shined in that situation
5c. Tim Spencer - his 3,553 yards ranks 3rd at OSU (behind Griffin and George), and his YPC (5.52) is identical to Eddie's.
Who's the Greatest Running Back in the History of College Football? |
Pretty much agree here, but, realistically... I'd flip flop Clarett and Byars.
Mostly because I'd amend your comment on Byars as follows:
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Keith Byars - a broken foot cost him a Heisman and the Buckeyes a shot at a national championship in 1985, and actually being a tailback in the NFL, a spot in the Hall of fame... etc.
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Byars was never the same after the broken foot, he tried to come back from it twice in '85.
Dude was winning games on his own, from behind when everyone in the stadium knew he was getting the rock. Ask Illinois all about it.
Bo Schembechler called him the greatest college offensive weapon he's ever seen. (Or something to that effect)
In the end, in my mind, Byars and Wells will be the great "what ifs" due to the lack of a senior season/injuries. Love them both. Byars was awfully close to the Jr. Year Heisman... one play put Flutie over the top.
Clarett... dinged up a lot too... but, really, Had one game where I felt like he put the team on his shoulders. The rest of those guys at least had a seasons worth of that, more or less. Regardless, I guess I don't give hime the benefit of the doubt because I didn't see him enough, healthy... too bad, too.