Negative recruiting is a large part of the recruiting game, and until recently one of Urban Meyer's negatives was that none of his running backs had ever rushed for 1,000 yards in a season. The last two years have changed that quite a bit.
Meyer was fortunate to have several viable options in the backfield when he arrived, especially a workhorse like Carlos Hyde. Hyde became Meyer's first thousand-yard running back in 2013, and Ezekiel Elliott became the second to hit that mark against Indiana.
Needless to say, breaking the thousand-yard stigma is a big help to recruiting running backs. It should be of use in 2016.
The 2016 class is loaded with talent, and Ohio State could take a few running backs as well as an H-back. The Buckeyes already have one commit in the class, George Hill from Hubbard High School in Hubbard, Ohio, let's see the others that could round out the class in 2016.
KAREEM WALKER // DEPAUL CATHOLIC (WAYNE, NJ)
Arguably the best running back for the 2016 class is DePaul Catholic (N.J.) standout Kareem Walker. Walker is rated as the top running back for the 2016 class according to the 247Sports composite ranking. He was offered by Ohio State in January, and since then has added offers from Alabama, Clemson, Florida State, and Notre Dame.Walker has visited Ohio State before, back in August.
Walker is a long shot to Ohio State. He has his choice of schools as he is arguably the top running back in the class of 2016. But he has visited Ohio State before and could be making a return trip so Ohio State is a team involved in the race here. I am not overly confident in Walker coming to Ohio State but if he visits again, the odds improve.
ROBERT WASHINGTON // SOUTHLAKE CHRISTIAN ACADEMY (HUNTERSVILLE, NC)
Another top running back for the 2016 class is North Carolina's Robert Washington. Washington holds offers from some of the top schools across the nation, including Boston College, Florida, Michigan, Nebraska and Ohio State.
Washington has been to Ohio State several times, taking unofficial visits in April and June. There were many who believed he could commit to Ohio State at the unofficial visit in June. Washington has had Ohio State in his top group through the whole process and some would even say they are the team to beat.
I believe Washington is going to be the second running back in this class. Ohio State could take two true running backs for this class and with Hill already committed, they are still looking for one more. I expect Washington to be that second running back in the class.
H-BACK
DEMARIO MCCALL // NORTH RIDGEVILLE (NORTH RIDGEVILLE, OH)
One of the top players in all of Ohio, is the star running back from North Ridgeville, DeMario McCall. McCall has blazing speed, something that Urban Meyer covets for the H-back position for the system. Ohio State offered McCall back in May and his recruitment has really taken off with offers from Georgia, Michigan State, Notre Dame and Tennessee.
McCall has not been a stranger to Ohio State either. He has been to Columbus several times since this summer, including camp visits in June and in July for Friday Night Lights. He has visited for two games this fall and is expected to be at The Game this Saturday.
I believe McCall is going to be the H-back for this class. With the speed he possesses, McCall would be a great fit for that role in Urban Meyer's system.
