College Football

Five former Ohio State running backs in top 100 over last 60 years

Five former Ohio State running backs in top 100 over last 60 years

The running back position used to be the so-called glamour position of college football. And while that has exponentially switched to the quarterback position over the last couple of decades, some of the all-time greatest names in the history of the game did their damage on the ground toting the rock.

At Ohio State, the running back position is littered with guys that were some of the best of the best in the game historically. As such, you would expect any list that comes out targeting the best running backs the game has seen to have a few wearing scarlet and gray — right?

Well yes, it seems. In fact, ESPN recently published a list of the top 100 running backs over the last 60 years (subscription required), and Ohio State had five former players appearing. We’re going to go through them for you here to get discussion and debate going.

Let’s start it off with the guys later in the list and work our way towards the top.

No. 72 – J.K Dobbins

Dec 28, 2019; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes running back J.K. Dobbins (2) runs with the ball against the Clemson Tigers in the 2019 Fiesta Bowl college football playoff semifinal game. Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

Years Played at Ohio State

2017-2019

No. 43 – Keith Byars

Sep 15, 1984; Columbus, OH, USA; FILE PHOTO; Ohio State Buckeyes running back Keith Byars (41) in action against the Washington State Cougars at Ohio Stadium. The Buckeyes beat the Cougars 44-0. Credit: Malcolm Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

Years Played at Ohio State

1982-1985

What ESPN Says

“Injuries can be cruel: Byars combined 1,764 rushing yards with 42 receptions while finishing second in the Heisman voting in 1984 and was primed to win it in 1985 before breaking his foot in the preseason and struggling as a senior. But his junior season was an all-timer.”

No. 34 – Ezekiel Elliott

Jan 12, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes…

Click Here to Read the Full Original Article at Football | Buckeyes Wire…