[OT] Rival Watch: OSU's true freshman RB JK Dobbins named "co-starter" with RsSo. Mike Weber

Submitted by BoFlex on

Ohio State released thier depth chart for the Oklahoma game this week, and JK Dobbins was listed as a "co-starter" alongside Mike Weber. This is following Urban's announcement that Mike Weber is cleared to return this week from a strained hamstring during fall camp.

An interesting developing for a team with a returning/incumbent 1096 yard (6.0 ypc) rusher, but not surprising given Dobbins's performance in his first career start (205 total yards; 6.24 ypc). Good thing Don Brown and co. will have plenty of film on both running backs by November 25th.

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Space Coyote

September 7th, 2017 at 8:30 AM ^

He wasn't Hyde and he wasn't Zeke, but he was a damn good RB (and he would have been at Michigan too). He's likely not a first round draft pick, like Dobbins could be, but they guy does have great feet and balance and is a nice one cut type back. He has enough talent to be drafted when his time comes in the middle to late rounds.

I'm perfectly happy with Higdon on Michigan's depth chart, I think OSU should be perfectly content with Dobbins or Weber on their depth chart. Those are good players. Unfortunately for us, Dobbins just appears that he may be really good (he did a lot of really nice things with his footwork in vision in game one once the OL finally got going).

Joined: 06/18/2009

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Space Coyote

September 7th, 2017 at 8:47 AM ^

Only that he may have the potential to be. It's tough to be a 1st round draft pick, let alone at RB. He appears like he may have more potential than Weber is what I was trying to say. And he had a very good first game. I agree with you though, I need more than one game to really get a feel for the type of player he'll be.

Joined: 06/18/2009

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YaterSalad

September 7th, 2017 at 9:08 AM ^

The thing that impresses me is the way Urbz coached RB blocking. Dobbins did a pretty good job picking up pressure on passing downs and getting out in front for Barrett on QB designed runs. I think that is what separates the churn of OSU backs getting highly drafted. Zeke, Hyde, Weber, and now Dobbins all seem to have a firm grasp on blocking needs. That typically isn't the case with a HS star, 18 year old, who used to run around guys for like 200 yards a game. Credit to Dobbins for being teachable, Urbz staff, and Weber for being a team player. Now that I got done gushing over OSU ... F them! And I hope we crush Barrett on blitzes Weber / Dobbins can't pick up!

Joined: 03/29/2010

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BoFlex

September 7th, 2017 at 7:07 PM ^

I've recently moved to Indianapolis within the last year, and maybe the local radio has brainwashed me, but I am honestly pretty bullish on Indiana this year.

They've slowly dug themselves out of the B1G cellar-dwellers the last 3-4 years, and I like Tom Allen as a person and a HC. Allen is defensive-minded coach with the leftover pieces of Kevin Wilson/Greg Frey/Kevin Johns' offense. Notre Dame needs another challenger in this state, whether it be Purdue or Indiana.

Joined: 05/30/2011

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Fieldy'sNuts

September 7th, 2017 at 6:29 AM ^

Its even funnier now that OSU released that video last year of the coaching staff calling Weber's family to tell them he would be starting. It was obvious damage control for the way they mishandled the departure of RB coach Stan Drayton by not telling Weber about until the day after signing day. And now he lost his starting job to a more talented freshman, so they're going to pretend he's a "co-starter"now. Christ, the lengths Meyer will go to. smh

Joined: 09/01/2016

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Scarlatina

September 7th, 2017 at 11:43 AM ^

To add into OP's comment... Urban and his coaching staff has been calling the parents of new starters before Mike Weber and has continued after Mike Weber as well. Also, Urban has used the "co-starter" label since his very first season. For example, Jalyn Holmes and Sam Hubbard have been listed a "co-starters" at DE for the last 2 seasons.

Joined: 12/22/2011

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war-dawg69

September 7th, 2017 at 7:47 AM ^

I always laugh when osu fans talk about Harbaugh. They have the number one weirdo/slimeball running a slimeball coaching staff. The lengths Meyer and staff will go to to land a recruit is way over the top and pretty much just wrong. A head coach writing a letter to a recruits girlfriends mom is just wrong. Everyone knows his past......was he trying to secure a date also?.

As far as who is the running back for osu?. It matters not, as they will not be able to run the ball against Michigan, along with everyone else. Dobbins would not have been able to run on Florida as easily as Indiana and I would take our backs over theirs any day of the week.

Joined: 10/07/2016

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buckeyejonross

September 7th, 2017 at 9:48 AM ^

For the record, OSU does those parent call videos for all the first-time starters, and they also list co-starters at several positions, including 6 "starting" WRs and 6 "starting" defensive linemen.

I don't think Urban has the time or the desire to cater how he runs his entire program to appease one sophomore RB. 

Joined: 07/27/2010

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SugarShane

September 7th, 2017 at 6:38 AM ^

Weber never impressed me. I won't be surprised if he's not even in the two deep by the end of his career

Joined: 10/19/2011

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BakkerUSMC

September 7th, 2017 at 6:49 AM ^

Examples like this show just how much more admirable Harbaugh's meritocracy is compared to other programs. Seems like the players, staff, and fans appreciate earning your right to play a lot more too.

Joined: 10/04/2016

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FauxMo

September 7th, 2017 at 7:14 AM ^

You might want to feel bad for the kid, but he knew what he was getting. OSU brings in 1 MIke Weber and one kid better each year, and he knew that. This is what happens sometimes. 

Joined: 06/17/2010

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TheCool

September 7th, 2017 at 7:21 AM ^

Not that either of them are scary, but Dobbins seems more explosive and apt to make a big play. When OSU gave Weber the ball I breathed a sigh of relief.

Joined: 07/13/2011

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Catchafire

September 7th, 2017 at 7:22 AM ^

What a luxury to have. While I hate osu as much as the next Michigan fan, I don't really see this as a problem for them. We ourselves rotate multiple running backs.

Joined: 09/30/2009

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