2008 tOSU Running Backs discussion (official thread)

[BB73]

From the Ozone's early look at the 2008 offense.

This year there's more than "a pair and a spare", but there's a question on who will be leading the way on the "iso" play.

ozone.2008/offense

Running Backs: Like the offensive line, the running back position is an embarrassment of riches for the Buckeye headed into 2008.

The headliner is, over course, Beanie Wells, who now-retired Michigan Head Coach Lloyd Carr called the best running back he had seen in the Big Ten in his time as the coach of the Wolverines.

Wells played through an assortment of injuries last year and improved as the season progressed. He reportedly has had off-season surgery on his wrist and his ankle is expected to be much improved in 2008. There is every reason to expect a better Beanie Wells in 2008, and that is bad news for everybody on OSU's schedule, and very good news for the Buckeyes.

Returning Scholarship Running Backs:
Chris Wells (6-1, 230, rising junior),
Brandon Saine (6-1, 210, rising sophomore),
Maurice Wells (5-10, 190, rising senior), and
Dan Herron ( 5-10, 200, rising redshirt freshman).

Returning Walk On Running Backs:
Marcus Williams (5-9, 195, rising junior),
K. C. Christian (6-0, 205, rising redshirt sophomore),
Bo DeLande (6-0, 210, rising sophomore),
Joe Gantz (6-0, 205, rising redshirt junior).

Fullbacks: There isn't a whole lot returning at fullback. The lone returner on the roster listed at that position is Aram Olson who did not contribute in 2007 due to depth ahead of him as well as an injury situation. Olson was described as a true, throwback fullback when he signed with OSU, but has not had an opportunity to show that in his career thus far. Also listed as a fullback is walkon Spencer Smith.

The Buckeye signed a fullback in this years recruiting class, and the OSU coaching staff has had a history of moving players at other positions into the fullback position, much as they did with tight end/linebacker Stan White and offensive lineman Tyler Waley. This year may be a year when the coaching staff drafts a player at another position to help out at fullback.

Returning Scholarship Players:
Aram Olson (6-2, 255, rising redshirt sophomore)

Returning Walk Ons:
Spencer Smith (6-2, 230, rising redshirt freshman)

Newcomers:
Jermil Martin (5-11, 220)

[cincibuckeyenut]

Not much of a discussion other than, how many yards/TDs does Wells need to win the Heismann and how many yards/TDs does Saine take away from him?

Oh, and maybe, can Beanie be 100% for next season? Did he have offseason ankle surgery?

[krazeyk]

Actually I'm very interested in how Saine Herron and Mo Wells will be used.

I'd think Mo will be in on some passing situations to block and to run some Screens. Saine I'd like to see in the backfield at the same time as Beanie simply to add a dimension of counters and fakes much like Arkansas last year. Herron I expect to get 2-3 carries a game enough to get some experience and a rest to the backs ahead of him. Either way we have some sick depth this year with many different styles and[puts on ScarletGlasses]guys that would be top dogs in some other programs that are in our 2-3-4 spots[takes off ScarletGlasses]

[RB07OSU]

And ya never know...Thomas might be too dangerous to keep off the field at RB, though I do think he will primarily play slot. We are going to have a crazy-good running attack.

[krazeyk]

Originally Posted by RB07OSU

And ya never know...Thomas might be too dangerous to keep off the field at RB, though I do think he will primarily play slot. We are going to have a crazy-good running attack.

Wow yeah completely forgot about Lamaar...only 6 months!