Ohio State’s new inside zone-read game will depend heavily not just on Braxton Miller, but also on the running backs the Buckeyes have to offer. This group is a diverse mix of smaller, quicker backs and bigger power backs that can help out in a large array of offensive situations.
OSU returns only three backs with experience: Jordan Hall, Carlos Hyde and Rod Smith. But those three do have the ability to make plays in the running game.
Hall is the best receiver of the three. He should be more heavily utilized in the passing game this year, rather than taking handoffs and running up the middle. He has some good quickness and the ability to make some players miss, even though he doesn’t have breakaway speed.
Hyde has excellent speed for any back. To have it at 240 pounds is just a huge bonus. He has a little bit of Beanie Wells in him when it comes to the speed-size combination. However, Wells has many more moves in the open field than Hyde does, and he has the amazing stiff arm that…
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