Ohio State Football position preview: Running backs

Ezekiel Elliott burst onto the national stage during Ohio State’s historic 2014 title run and for those familiar with the talents of the Ohio State football star an alternate, (and perhaps more accurate), title for this preview might read: Ohio State Football position preview: Ezekiel Elliott. The 2014 Sugar Bowl and CFP National Title Game MVP rushed for 696 yards and eight touchdowns during Ohio State’s three postseason games and ever since has been discussed as one of the best running backs in all of college football. His 1,182 regular season rushing yards were somehow quiet, but his record-setting performances in the Sugar Bowl and the national title game put the rest of college football on notice for what’s to come in 2015. What we know Ezekiel Elliott is really good at running with the football (see above), and yet this year all factors indicate that he could be even better as the Buckeyes try to repeat as national champions in 2015. Elliott on all the media attention focused on Ohio State’s stars, “It’s something I don’t really pay attention to, we take a team mentality. We just want to see each other shine.” As he racked up a staggering 1,878 rushing yards in 2014, (second in OSU history), Elliott was dealing with the after effects of a fractured wrist. A little more than a year ago, during Ohio State’s preseason camp, Elliott broke a bone in his left wrist and underwent surgery that didn’t quite repair all the damage. During the season, Elliott had his wrist heavily wrapped and was unable to carry the ball on his left side or use his off hand to deflect would-be tacklers. After the season, Elliott underwent another procedure and is now reportedly fully healed. It’s incredible to think that ‘Zeke was unable to use his entire skill set during last year and now Buckeye fans will be able to see what Elliott can accomplish as he enters the season fully healthy as the established number one option at running back. Along with improved health, Elliott will likely see a benefit in production from all the other defense-distracting weapons Ohio State will have in the backfield. …

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