Ohio State’s J.K. Dobbins ready to carry the load

“That worked out for everybody in some capacity. And it will now still give Ohio State a full season to build the rushing attack primarily around J.K. Dobbins, and it might work out in its favor that it only really had to do it once.”

- Austin Ward, Lettermen Row

With Ohio State running back Mike Weber announcing his intentions that he’ll enter the 2019 NFL draft, the Buckeyes will hand the reins in full to J.K. Dobbins, fresh off back-to-back 1,000-yard rushing seasons. Despite splitting carries with Weber the past two seasons, Dobbins has proven to be an elite ball carrier, and will likely have no problem becoming the feature back in Ohio State’s offense. Of course, there’s also guys in waiting behind Dobbins that can help lighten the load.

There were glimpses of Master Teague and Brian Snead early on in the year, and more incoming talent. But Weber coming back for this past season was a pleasant surprise and helped guide the Buckeyes to another excellent season and win over Michigan.

“Next year should be my year. I’ll definitely be the guy y’all want me to be. I love my fans. The fans love me.”

- Demario McCall via Doug Lesmerises, Cleveland.com

Demario McCall is preparing to finish another season at Ohio State but has yet to live up to the hype that surrounds him. He’s shown plenty of flashes, and the lack of carries and appearances might not be totally on him as the coaching staff hasn’t found many ways to involve him until later in the season.

But McCall seems confident that next season will be the year that fans have been waiting for in terms of his production.

He seems to have the talent, and will just need the snaps. With some playmakers like Parris Campbell graduating, there may be an opportunity for McCall to really show his skills next season. With Ryan Day taking over as head coach, perhaps it will be a new chance for McCall to step up in the lineup and make plays.

“[2019 NFL mock draft] 1. Arizona Cardinals: Nick Bosa, 5. Jacksonville Jaguars: Dwayne Haskins”

- Dan Kadar, SB Nation

Ohio State should be well represented at the 2019 NFL draft yet again. The Buckeyes boast a couple of first round picks, according to Dan Kadar’s mock draft, with Nick Bosa going first overall to the Arizona Cardinals and Haskins being picked up with the fifth overall pick to the Jacksonville Jaguars. Although Haskins hasn’t officially announced his decision, it’s likely that the redshirt sophomore quarterback will move on from the Buckeyes after the Rose Bowl.

Around the Big Ten, Michigan is represented in the top 10 with Rashan Gary getting picked 10th overall by the Buffalo Bills. Iowa tight end T.J. Hockenson is mocked to go 26th overall to the New England Patriots. If one tight end from the Hawkeyes wasn’t enough, Kadar has a second, Noah Fant, going to the Green Bay Packers with the 32nd pick overall.

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