Ohio State’s Mike Weber named Big Ten Thompson–Randle El Freshman of the Year

Mike Weber had an excellent redshirt freshman season for the Buckeyes, partnering with Curtis Samuel to field a formidable Thunder and Lightning combo out of the backfield. And now, he’ll get some impressive hardware to prove it, as the Big Ten has named him their Freshman of the year.

Weber rushed for 1,072 yards and nine touchdowns on 177 carries, becoming yet another 1,000 yard rusher for Urban Meyer at Ohio State. He was only the third Buckeye in history to rush for over 1,000 yards as a freshman, joining Robert Smith and Maurice Clarett.

Weber joins J.T. Barrett (2014) and Braxton Miller (2011) as recent Buckeyes to win the award. Michigan’s Jabrill Peppers was the recipient last season.

Weber was also named 2nd team All-Big Ten at RB.

Virtually all recent award winners have had exceptionally productive college careers, if not pro careers, and Weber projects to be no different. With a deeper offensive line and likely more carries next season, Weber has a great shot to build on his success.

Congrats to Weber and Ohio State for taking home some hardware tonight.