With all the talk of preseason All-Americans and a legit shot at repeating as national champs, a potential sleeper of a feel-good story could emerge in the Ohio State backfield if Bri'onte Dunn can finally make a significant impact at running back after arriving on campus way back in 2012 as a Scout five-star recruit out of Canton GlenOak.
Despite his lofty blue-chip status, Dunn racked up a meager 34 carries for 196 yards due to factors ranging from guys named Carlos Hyde and Ezekiel Elliott joining him on the roster combined with what was suggested by many as a lazy and disinterested approach to the game. In fact, after logging 25 totes for 133 yards as a freshman, Dunn redshirted in 2013 in large part because of his attitude.
Finally, toward the latter half of Ohio State's run to the national title, Dunn showed signs of being fully vested in the program and became a contributor on special teams. As a reward for his renewed commitment, Dunn even carried the ball five times for 47 yards (9.4 ypc) in the undressing of Wisconsin – his first touches in eight games – setting up a Curtis Samuel touchdown and a 59-0 Buckeye lead. The 47 yards were the most for Dunn in a game since a 13 carry, 73 yard outburst against Illinois way back in his freshman season of 2012.
By all accounts, Dunn transitioned his late season surge into spring drills while serving as the primary running back with Elliott on the shelf due to wrist surgery and Samuel spending most of his time at the H and wide receiver spots.
Most notably, Urban Meyer himself was complimentary of Dunn noting that the young man had paid some dues as a solid performer on special teams and had "a little momentum going on in his world."
Dunn also had a clean slate with new running backs coach Tony Alford and with a solid frame (6'0", 215 lbs), a focus on the little things such as pass blocking and an ability to run in between or outside the tackles, it appears he has a legit shot to be the primary backup to Elliott and finally capitalize on all that talent.
Now, it is up to Dunn to make the most of his opportunity during fall camp. With the mental part of the game (both on and off the field) now reportedly in check, Dunn has a chance to hold off Warren Ball and newcomer Mike Weber to be The Guy who is called upon to give Elliott a blow.
| YEAR | PLAYER | ATT | YDS | TD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | C. SAMUEL | 58 | 383 | 6 |
| 2013 | J. HALL | 81 | 536 | 8 |
| 2012 | J. HALL | 40 | 218 | 1 |
That may not seem like a big spot to fill considering Elliott's talent and the fact he'll likely be making a serious bid for the Heisman but with plenty of blowouts in Ohio State's forecast, Dunn should have little trouble dusting his current career totals in carries, yards and touchdowns provided he earns the 2nd-string tailback gig.
For historical perspective, looking at the production of the primary backup running back during the first three year's of Meyer's tenure at Ohio State, Dunn could land somewhere around 60 carries for 379 yards and five touchdowns. Ask Dunn if he'll take those numbers heading into the season and I'm guessing you'll get a favorable response.
Of course, even if things do pan out that well or even better for Dunn in 2015 it won't generate a ton of discussion amid the star-studded roster and championship-or-bust expectations but it would certainly qualify as an under-appreciated success story weaved within the overall season when put in context.
