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College Football: Dark-Horse Heisman Candidates

By Eric Robinson

FAYETTEVILLE, AR - NOVEMBER 24: Drew Lock #3 of the Missouri Tigers throws a pass during a game against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Razorback Stadium on November 24, 2017 in Fayetteville, Arkansas. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
FAYETTEVILLE, AR - NOVEMBER 24: Drew Lock #3 of the Missouri Tigers throws a pass during a game against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Razorback Stadium on November 24, 2017 in Fayetteville, Arkansas. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) /
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LINCOLN, NE – OCTOBER 14: Running back J.K. Dobbins #2 of the Ohio State Buckeyes warms up before the game against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Memorial Stadium on October 14, 2017 in Lincoln, Nebraska. (Photo by Steven Branscombe/Getty Images)
LINCOLN, NE – OCTOBER 14: Running back J.K. Dobbins #2 of the Ohio State Buckeyes warms up before the game against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Memorial Stadium on October 14, 2017 in Lincoln, Nebraska. (Photo by Steven Branscombe/Getty Images) /

Ohio State RB J.K. Dobbins

As a member of the 2017 recruiting class for the Buckeyes, Dobbins was under the radar early on in his collegiate career last season.

That was until the Buckeyes opened the season against Indiana, where Dobbins started in place of senior running back Mike Weber, and broke a school record once held by Maurice Clarett, by rushing for 181 yards on 29 carries.

A freshman season that started with a bang resulted in Dobbins rushing for a team-lead 1,403 yards and seven touchdowns. Averaging 7.2 yards per carry, Dobbins also was second in the Big Ten in rushing yards and third in the country among running backs in yards per carry.

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It will be tough for Dobbins to replicate his freshman season. Especially with Weber still on the roster and fully healthy and teams having plenty of film and awareness of the ability of Dobbins. However, just because it may be tough does not mean it can not be done. The Buckeyes are breaking in a new starting quarterback this season which means the game plan may rely on Dobbins a little more.

With Michigan, Michigan State, Penn State, and TCU on the schedule, the Buckeyes have a few defenses that were pretty stout against the run last season. If Dobbins is able to be productive in those contests, Dobbins may be able to orchestrate a Heisman-worthy season.

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