Football has definitely evolved into a more pass dominated game across all levels, but the top teams from the NFL down to Pop Warner are also able to effectively run the football. Ohio State is known for producing great running backs that have excelled in the NFL and now they will get one more with J.K. Dobbins.
Dobbins declared for the NFL Draft on Monday. He is coming off a 174-yard performance against Clemson in the Fiesta Bowl on Saturday. In all of Ohio State’s biggest games this season, Dobbins has been a standout and a key component in the Buckeyes success in 2019.
The junior sensation finished the year with 2,003 rushing yards, 6.7 average, and 21 rushing touchdowns. He is now the 2nd all-time leading rusher in Ohio State history. He passed Ezekiel Elliott earlier this season and is only behind 2-time Heisman Trophy winner, Archie Griffin.
D.K. Dobbins Career Statistics
| Year | Games | ATT | Yards | AVG. | TD's |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 14 | 301 | 2,003 | 6.7 | 21 |
| 2018 | 14 | 230 | 1,053 | 4.6 | 10 |
| 2017 | 14 | 194 | 1,403 | 7.2 | 7 |
When it comes to records, Dobbins has set several during his time at Ohio State. He holds the single-season rushing record after passing Eddie George this season. He beat Maurice Clarette’s record for most yards during a freshman season.
Ohio State All-Time Leading Rushers
| Name | Years | ATT | Yards | AVG. | TD's |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Archie Griffin | 1972-1975 | 924 | 5,589 | 6.0 | 26 |
| D.K. Dobbins | 2017-2019 | 725 | 4,459 | 6.2 | 38 |
| Ezekiel Elliott | 2013-2015 | 592 | 3,961 | 6.7 | 43 |
| Eddie George | 1992-1995 | 683 | 3,768 | 5.5 | 44 |
| Tim Spencer | 1979-1982 | 644 | 3,553 | 5.5 | 30 |
| Chris Wells | 2006-2008 | 585 | 3,382 | 5.8 | 30 |
As a result of his success and potential, Dobbins is the #3 running back on Mel Kiper’s Big Board and is projected to be a mid to late 1st round pick. Draft boards fluctuate between the end of the season and draft day. Don’t be surprised if he not only moves up Kiper’s board but all the other draft analyst boards as well.
NFL COMBINE
Dobbins is a freak athlete and has the physical measurables that will wow NFL GM’s. He is going to get to show everyone at the NFL Combine and at his Pro Day what people within the Ohio State program already knows. He has been clocked in the low 4.3’s and will have a vertical jump close to 40 inches. Even in high school, he posted exceptional numbers at the Nike Combine (See Below).
HIGH SCHOOL IN TEXAS
As a high school player from Texas, Dobbins was a 4-star prospect that rushed for 5,149 career yards and 74 touchdowns. He missed his senior year because of a broken fibula.
Ohio State will have big shoes to fill next season at the running back position and we will find out on April 23 at the draft which fortunate NFL team will land the All-American.
