COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Ohio State’s running back position may be the only spot on this team where its depth isn’t that important.
Most other positions would like to feature as much talent as possible, even if it means players who don’t have nearly as much experience. The Buckeyes have five running backs on its roster, but only J.K. Dobbins has any real experience on the field. Demario McCall has battled injuries for most of his career. Master Teague — who redshirted last season — Steele Chambers and Marcus Crowley would be getting their first taste of playing time in Ohio Stadium on Aug. 31.
But that lack of experience outside of Dobbins — who was elected as one of the seven captains — won’t matter. If Dobbins is off the field this season, it’s because he’s tired, or for situational purposes. Even so, he’s already voiced his displeasure with coming off the field in scrimmages according to running backs coach Tony Alford. He feels he has something to prove this season despite back-to-back years with 1,000 rushing yards.
“I hope that (head coach Ryan) Day turns to me,” Dobbins said. “If he needs a big play that he turns to me. I take full responsibility in that and me practicing hard will have me ready for that situation or event.”
Alford stated that McCall is going to be the No. 2 guy on the depth chart this year and his improved pass-blocking suggests that he’ll be used in third-down passing situations. McCall spent a good chunk of last season practicing with the receivers according to Dobbins, which should make him a viable threat downfield. McCall said that he could be “a nightmare” for linebackers if he gets isolated in the open field.
“That’s just the offense,” McCall said. “We use the tailback a lot in our offense. Running the ball, catching the ball. The tailbacks have always been athletes here, so that’s just our offense.”
Other position groups are still trying to solidify how deep they want the rotation to be this season. Wide receivers coach Brian Hartline has stated he wants a six-man rotation. Associate head coach Larry Johnson believes six defensive tackles can rotate. Co-defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley is all for using as many defensive backs as possible if they prove they deserve to play.
On the offensive line, Greg Studrawa has voiced his excitement on the type of depth that he’ll have for the next few years. The Buckeyes have officially announced Justin Fields at quarterback, but that doesn’t mean Day won’t want the two guys behind him to get reps in Week 1 so that they have experience.
That won’t be the case at running back. That position won’t have much depth in 2019, but they shouldn’t need it either. Dobbins wants to have a big year and they’ll need it from him, which means he’ll be on the field as much as possible.
“If you give me the ball 30 times I’ll still be all right,” Dobbins said at the beginning of spring camp. “I’m going to find a way to make sure that I’m still all right. Any amount of carries.”
Get Buckeyes Insider texts in your phone from Doug Lesmerises: Cut through the clutter of social media and communicate directly with the award-winning OSU football reporter, just like you would with your friends. Sign up for insight on the Buckeyes in your phone for $3.99 per month.