DaytonDailyNews.com

COLUMBUS — Ohio State defensive end Jay Richardson knows there are safer ways to spend an afternoon than trying to tackle brutish tailback Chris Wells.

Like volunteering to be a rodeo clown.

Opponents tend to wince when they see the bruising freshman rumbling their way. And Richardson said even some of his own teammates had to warm up to the idea of standing in Wells' path.

"I'll tell you this: Our defensive backs have come a long way," the senior said. "In preseason camp, they were a little hesitant to come up and hit him full speed when he was coming downhill (running straight ahead) at them. Now, they'll step up and hit him.

"He's probably one of the strongest freshmen I've seen coming through here overall. And he's pretty explosive."

The 6-foot-1, 225-pound Wells has given the Buckeyes what they've lacked in recent seasons: a reliable short-yardage option. He's gained 236 yards on 57 carries, many of them plunges into the teeth of the defense to move the first-down chains.

Even when he lost a fumble on the opening series against Michigan State last week — his second turnover of the season — OSU coach Jim Tressel summoned Wells again when the Buckeyes needed to pick up some tough terrain.

"I think Chris will be an outstanding short-yardage back because sometimes you get so many guys in the box (around the line of scrimmage) that you're going to have to break a tackle. And he can break a tackle," Tressel said.

Wells had a game-high 53 yards on 12 carries with one touchdown against the Spartans, but he had trouble shaking his lone miscue.

"I just wasn't being responsible with the football," he said. "I wasn't holding on to it. I get down on myself every time I fumble."

But after shuffling to the sidelines, he was met by quarterback Troy Smith, who managed to come up with some timely words.

"He just told me, 'Don't worry about it. Just go back out there and play football. We've got a long game,' " Wells said.

The Akron native gained 78 yards on 14 carries against Iowa and has become a durable understudy for junior Antonio Pittman. And though Wells appears destined to one day become the featured back, he doesn't seem to be in any hurry.

"This is like a dream," Wells said of playing for the Buckeyes. "It's a dream to be part of a team with so much leadership."

C

ontact this reporter at (937) 225-2125 or dharris@DaytonDailyNews.com.