Ohio State didn’t have much of a running back rotation last year.
The reasoning wasn’t particularly complicated, either. It simply didn’t need multiple tailbacks splitting reps. Instead, eventual second-round NFL draft pick J.K. Dobbins set a program record with 2,003 rushing yards on 301 carries, reaching the end zone for 21 touchdowns on the ground. With the third-year stud in the backfield, position coach Tony Alford rarely needed to insert backup Master Teague or anyone else into games for meaningful carries.
Such a strategy won’t be implemented this fall. Rather, the Buckeyes plan to utilize a multi-back system that will heavily feature Teague and Oklahoma graduate transfer Trey Sermon.