Redshirt freshman running back Mike Weber is officially the heir to Ezekiel Elliott’s throne.
Urban Meyer told reporters following Wednesday’s practice he named Weber the starting running back only “moments ago.” Ohio State listed Weber or junior Curtis Samuel as the starter in the first depth chart of the season, released Tuesday afternoon.
Weber, rated the top prospect in Michigan during the 2015 cycle, originally committed to Michigan before flipping to Ohio State. When Michigan hired Harbaugh, a contentious recruiting battle ensued all the way until National Signing Day, when Weber affirmed his pledge to the Buckeyes.
Weber earned rave reviews during last year’s camp before a torn meniscus sidelined him. Never able to regain his mojo, Ohio State redshirted him.
Coming into this year, Weber transformed his body and looks ready to assume the workhorse load.
"He's healthy, he's taken care of his body, he's at the right body weight. J.T. is very comfortable with him and Pat Elflein," Meyer said of Weber. "He trained with Pat Elflein and J.T. all summer and has become one of them. So he's done a very nice job."
Ohio State kicks off its 2016 season Saturday against Bowling Green at 12 p.m.
