Ohio State officially kicked off its spring practice on Tuesday, and Urban Meyer set out on the enormous task of replacing the 16 starters he lost from last year’s team.
The Buckeyes, fresh off a 12-1 2015 campaign that actually fell short of their enormous expectations, will look completely different this fall without superstars Ezekiel Elliott, Joey Bosa and Darron Lee suiting up for the Scarlet and Gray.
With so many holes to fill before kicking off the 2016 season against Bowling Green this September, Meyer is anticipating more competition than he’s seen during his 15-year head coaching career.
“This is uncharted waters for me,” Meyer said, according to Eric Seger of Eleven Warriors.
While the depth chart won’t be finalized until fall camp, here are the most important position battles that will take place in spring practice.
Running Back
Ezekiel Elliott was the driving force during Ohio State’s historic run through the 2014 postseason, and he was the only consistent presence in an offense that failed to establish an identity in 2015.
With Elliott’s departure to the NFL, the Buckeyes need to figure out what to do in a backfield that’s fortunate enough to return J.T. Barrett at quarterback.
Over the last four seasons, the Buckeyes have identified lead backs and leaned on them heavily. From 2012-13, that role was filled by Carlos Hyde, who rumbled his way to 2,689 total yards and 35 touchdowns. Over the last two years, Elliott amassed 4,125 yards and…
Continue Reading: Ohio State Football: Evaluating the Buckeyes’ Most Important Position Battles
