Should Buckeyes Be Concerned About RB Revolving Door?

Sept. 11, 2012 - PRLog -- Between Jordan Hall’s pre-season torn foot tendon, Carlos Hyde’s injury suffered against Central Florida and Bri’onte Dunn’s brushes with the law the Buckeyes backfield has shuffled more times than the ’85 Bears. But should this be a real concern to Buckeye Nation?

Historically Urban Meyer hasn’t used a tailback as a feature element of his offensive strategy. At Florida he didn’t have a ‘workhorse back’ in the traditional sense of the word. He used speedsters like Jeff Demps, Chris Rainey and WR Percy Harvin. But he did have a powerback named Tim Tebow that took most of the carries between the tackles.

Braxton Miller has filled the stat sheets so far this season but withstood 27 hits in the Central Florida game. And even Coach Meyer has said that this is too many if we want to keep him around.

This week Dunn is listed as the starter and sophomore Rod Smith has been itching for some carries. It’s encouraging that Jordan Hall practiced a bit over the weekend and may see some action as well.

If Dunn practices well this week, Meyer said he would be “absolutely very comfortable” with him carrying the load. But the jump from backup to starter can be steep. While Dunn has looked good promising carrying the ball the coaches have some concerns with his ability to perform blocking assignments.

The Buckeyes certainly have depth at the RB position, and an offense that doesn’t heavily rely on the traditional feature back. That said, the biggest concern heading into the Cal game will be how the young backs pick up the blocking schemes during practice today and Wednesday.

“It’s one thing getting your mind right to go to be a third-string tailback for a game,” Meyer said. “It’s another thing getting your mind right to be the guy that’s going to jog out there with the first offense.”