
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
Former Ohio State RB J.K. Dobbins picks his favorite runs as a Buckeye
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
Big Ten football: Top ten rushing touchdown leaders of all time
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…
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