Ohio State Football: 5 storylines to follow during 2018 spring ball

2. Clear starter or running back by-committee

Ohio State has a crowded backfield with both Mike Weber and JK Dobbins earning starter’s snaps in 2017. While it seems like the sophomore, Dobbins, is the clear favorite to start in 2018, you can’t overlook the job Weber has done in his two season as a contributing running back.

Before you dub Dobbins the clear No. 1, remember that Weber was a 1,000-yard rusher as a true freshman and an injury forced his backup into action to begin the 2017 season. His play in those early games is what gave Dobbins the nod for most of the season, but if not for that injury, we could be talking about a potential All-American back in Weber.

That’s not taking anything away from Dobbins, though. As a freshman, he rushed for 1,403 yards and seven touchdowns on 7.2 yards per carry. His backfield mate, Weber, had 626 yards and 10 touchdowns on 6.2 yards per touch in 2017.

Who will take control in the backfield this spring? Dobbins may be the favorite, but Weber was Ezekiel Elliott’s replacement for a reason.