By: Bill Blanton (Examiner.com) —
When Chris Wells announced in January 2009 that he was leaving Columbus for the NFL, most Buckeye fans anointed sophomore Dan Herron as the starter and the heir apparent to the great tradition of running backs at Ohio State.

Apparently the directors of the Guaranty Bank SMU Athletic Forum feel the same, as they announced Sunday afternoon their candidates for the 2009 Doak Walker Award. Herron is listed as a candidate for the award which is presented annually to the nation’s top college running back. Before Buckeye fans get too excited, let me point out that there are forty five candidates in total from different universities nominated.

It seems ironic that Herron is getting all the preseason glitter when it’s not apparent that he’s even the best running back on the Buckeye roster. Herron, a 5-10, 195-pound sophomore rushed the ball 89 times and gained 439 yards and 6 touchdowns in 2008. Dan, whose nickname is “Boom”, delivered some small bangs but not nearly what Ohio State needed as the offense struggled to score during Chris Wells’ four game absence. You could argue his best game was against Troy when he ran for 94 yards in a 28-10 win, which also marked Terrelle Pryor’s first start.

When Chris Wells returned to the line-up at the start of the Big Ten season, Herron’s touches declined. Two weeks later he suffered a head injury against Wisconsin that sidelined him for three weeks. He returned late in the season and posted a solid performance against Michigan with 80 yards and 2 touchdowns in a 42-7 win. Against Texas in the Fiesta Bowl, Herron gained 30 yards and ran for a late fourth quarter score that put Ohio State ahead before Colt McCoy broke the Buckeye faithful hearts.

Herron has been touted as a tough, versatile back that runs strong between the tackles. He’s shown a quick burst when he gets the ball but his 4.55 speed is average when you consider he’s only 195-pounds. The other area of weakness is the inability to catch the ball. Herron only had six receptions for twenty nine yards in 2008 and will need to show he’s made strides in the receiving area if he’s to be a guy who can stay on the field in all situations.
Herron’s main competition at running back looks to be Brandon Saine. Saine, nicknamed “Zoom” in high school, showed signs of promise in 2007. The former Piqua High School star brought his 4.35 speed on a 6-1, 205-pound frame and was named Ohio State’s outstanding first-year offensive player. Saine, a former 100-meter and 400-meter Div.I state track champion, now weighs 217-pounds and offers the Buckeyes power and breakaway speed along with being a capable receiver. Injuries and lack of repetitions during training camp in 2008 placed Saine behind Herron on the depth chart.

The season turned out to be a disappointing year for Brandon as the sophomore didn’t make the strides you would have hoped for an individual who showed so much talent his freshman year. There is so much intrigue when it comes to Saine because he seems to offer the complete physical package that you want from a stud, Big Ten running back. There isn’t any question Saine is hungry and looks to be in the mix barring injury.

I know by now some of you may be asking “What about freshman Jamaal Berry?” At 5-11, 185-pounds and 4.31 speed, the thought is to get this kid the ball on the outside and watch him go. I’m sure he’ll get a chance to get in the mix as camp goes on. However, you have to be scratching your head after learning about the marijuana possession charge in Miami two months ago. The charge was originally a felony before it was dropped to a misdemeanor. In an interview with the Cleveland Plain Dealer, Berry said ““It’s definitely not going to happen again. I’m not here to make any problems. I’m here just to ball out on the football field and do good in school.” Tressel has called the case an isolated incident and says it will not cause Berry to be held back in camp. See related story.

Another potential candidate to add depth at the running back position was freshman Carlos Hyde. At 6-1, 230-pounds, the Naples, Florida native was a heralded recruit who figured to have a chance to play due to depth issues. He has the appearance of a Chris Wells with speed, size, strength and overall physical demeanor. However, due to his inability to score a 17 on the ACT, Hyde will most likely enroll in prep school to work on the academic progress needed to be a Div I college football player. ESPN reported that Hyde told the Naples Daily News that he’s going to focus on the ACT by attending prep school in Virginia and hopefully enroll at Ohio State in January.

If Herron, Saine or Berry is to have a chance to show his talent in 2009, he will need help from a disappointing offensive line that turned out to be the Achilles heel for the Buckeyes in 2008. The good news for the Ohio State offensive line is that Alex Boone, Steve Rerhing and Ben Person are gone, so I’m confident the line is already improved. Optimism continues to swirl around Michael Brewster, J.D. Shuggarts and Mike Adams. The three sophomores will be feeling the pressure to live up to the accolades they received two years ago when they were considered three of the top eight high school offensive lineman in the country.

Here’s to an exciting year Buckeye Fans as we watch which of these Ohio State running backs emerges as the Buckeyes next 1,000 yard rusher. I only hope it’s not Terrelle Pryor.

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