2008 tOSU Running Backs discussion (official thread)

[OSUBasketballJunkie]

Rivals.com$ (Brandon Castel)

Weekend update: Doc updates Rbs....................Coach Doc Tressel discusses the maturity of Chris Wells, boom and zoom and also the fullback position.

 

[OSUBasketballJunkie]

ToledoBlade

OHIO STATE FOOTBALL: Help wanted at fullback
It's a dirty job for Buckeyes

By MATT MARKEY
BLADE SPORTS WRITER

COLUMBUS ? Help wanted: the ultimate lunch bucket warrior. Toiling in obscurity must be one of your favorite things to do. The work is physical and dirty, with precious few accolades. You will play football, but likely never touch one.

This job vacancy posting could have gone up on the bulletin board in the Ohio State locker room in early January, when the Buckeyes turned the page on the 2007 season and said good-bye to three senior fullbacks ? Dionte Johnson, Tyler Whaley and Trever Robinson.

For a team that would come into 2008 loaded with veteran depth and returning starters at nearly every position, fullback was the thinnest spot on the roster. You would not think that there would be much consternation and hand-wringing over this, since in the 13 games that made up the 2007 season, in the 883 plays the
Buckeyes ran, Ohio State fullbacks received one carry for minus-one yard.

Continued......

 

[OSUBasketballJunkie]

Scout.com (Free)

OSU Backfield Has Depth It Needs..........by Marcus Hartman.

 

[osugrad21]

Scout$--Ohio State Has Its Fullbacks - Finally

Brandon Smith is the starter with Lukens and Martin as backups.

 

[Buckskin86]

Buckeyes have other backs besides Beanie
Source: Associated Press
Thursday, September 04, 2008

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) -- Even though the injured Chris "Beanie" Wells will not play for No. 3 Ohio State against Ohio on Saturday, the Buckeyes have plenty of other options.

Really. They do.

For instance, Maurice Wells is more than just those droopy dreadlocks that hang out the back of his helmet. Brandon Saine and Dan "Boom" Herron are both scatbacks who can turn a slit of an opening into a long touchdown.

"Any time a player goes down, especially a starter, it can be difficult for a team," said Maurice Wells, the senior statesman of the group. "But with any team, you have to learn how to bounce back. ... We'll have to go with what we've got. All the guys have practiced hard and prepared well."

Here's a primer on the candidates to fill in for Wells:

-- Maurice Wells, 5-foot-10, 196, senior: has the most experience. Has had an erratic career, seldom wowing anyone when he has gotten in for Chris Wells (who is no relation) and Chris Wells' predecessor as the starter, Antonio Pittman. Has just 242 career yards rushing.

"I'm quick. I'm more of a slasher-type running back," he said. "I might not break 10 tackles on a play but I might make a guy miss here and there."

-- Brandon Saine, 6-foot-1, 217, sophomore: rushed for 267 yards and scored three touchdowns a year ago. Also good as a receiver out of the backfield. He runs a 4.35 40-yard dash and was a high school state champion in the 100 and 400.

"(He is) arguably one of the fastest backs in the country," tight end Rory Nichol said.

-- Dan "Boom" Herron, 5-10, 193, freshman: redshirted last year but has climbed the depth chart this spring and summer. Fast but also physical.

"Everyone says Boom's so small, but that's why we call him Boom -- because he can hit you," offensive lineman Alex Boone said.

Buckeyes have other backs besides Beanie - Big Ten Network