Just this past Thursday, Chris "Beanie" Wells announced he will forgo his senior season and enter the NFL draft. This decision probably left many fans, coaches, and teammates upset and down. But to Coach Jim Tressel, it was a no-brainer.
"If it were me, it wouldn't be tough," Tressel said weeks before the Fiesta Bowl. He later stated in interviews, that he feels Wells should be a Top Five pick.
Now I know I do not speak for all of Buckeye nation when I say Wells should return, because I know many fans think he has done all he can and cannot increase his draft stock anymore. I just feel he has a great chance at making a final push for a Heisman Trophy and National Title win.
It is still a little strange to me that Tressel is so enthusiastic about Wells' departure. Replacing a player like Wells is not always easy, but Tressel is known as an excellent recruiter and the Buckeyes' running game should be fine without their "star child."
It will surely not be the same, but these are the players who will step in for Beanie and help the running game.
Terrelle Pryor
The versatile quarterback will probably spend most of his off-season polishing his passing game, but come next season Pryor's speed will still be dangerous and will greatly contribute to the Buckeye's success.
Dan "Boom" Herron
Herron will most likely be the starting running back next year. He is smaller than Beanie and is a good east-west runner, but he also likes to plunge up the middle.
In Wells' absence this year, Herron proved he could carry the load. He was the team's third leading rusher, behind Pryor and Wells.
Brandon "Zoom" Saine
Limited this year due to injury and other's playing time, Saine was a highly-recruited back his senior year in high school and was Ohio's "Mr. Football."
Look for Saine to get more time at running back, with most of it coming on third down. He will also return kicks and sometimes line up in the slot, as he has very good hands for a back.
Jaamal Berry
The "crown jewel" of this year's recruiting class for the Buckeyes, Berry is about the size of Herron.
He is ESPN's third-rated running back in the country and while his senior season was interrupted at times by injuries, Berry still drew attention from many top schools.
He will compete for the starting job, but will most likely end up sharing time with Saine as Herron's backup.
Carlos Hyde
Hyde,the second best running back recruited by Ohio State, has the same dimensions as Wells, and like Wells he is a down-hill runner who loves to go up the gut of the offensive line.
Many analysts project Hyde to turn into more of a fullback, but his size will be needed for goal-to-go situations. Hyde will likely get less reps than Berry and Herron, but will line up in the fullback position in the "I"-formation.
Other possibilities to fill in and help the cause are Jordan Hall, Justin Green, and Storm Klein. The other remaining backs currently on the roster have all combined for little-to-no playing time and small statistics.
Hall was Pryor's teammate in high school and can also return kicks and line up in the slot.
Green is an athlete, and could possibly play defensive back, but is better and more dangerous on the offensive side.
Klein is another athlete who can carry the ball but is better at linebacker.
Wells certainly left his mark at Ohio State. Before he broke out as a star at Ohio State, many fans were worried that former Buckeye Antonio Pittman's early departure to NFL would put more pressure on the passing game's shoulders.
Wells certainly silenced the critics, and if this trend continues, any one of the aforementioned backs may be in the same position Wells was a few years down the line.
Don't let the work week get to you, stay sports hungry, and continue being the vicious weekend warrior you are.
-Danny Bayliss
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