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OSU football

Jim Brown takes Chris Wells under his wing

Sophomore running back has drawn comparisons to NFL Hall of Famer since he was in high school.

By Doug Harris

Staff Writer

Friday, August 10, 2007

COLUMBUS — The news that former NFL great Jim Brown is spending time with another Ohio State running back will probably elicit a few groans among fans, given his past association with Maurice Clarett and how that saga panned out.

But OSU sophomore tailback Chris Wells sees nothing but positives coming from their relationship, and it certainly has coach Jim Tressel's blessing.

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Brown was a guest of the Buckeyes at their team dinner Wednesday and sat at Wells' table, doling out advice.

Although he didn't want to reveal what Brown shared, Wells said: "He's easy to respect. He's a down-to-earth guy, so full of knowledge. He's easy to listen to."

Wells has looked up to the hall of famer for years, "Googling" him on the computer and digging for video of some of his classic runs.

And with his speed, rugged style and 6-foot-1, 230-pound frame, Wells has been compared to Brown since high school. The Akron native rushed for 576 yards and seven touchdowns as a true freshman last season, finishing with a hefty 5.5 average.

But while he displayed ample potential, his debut season was marred by four lost fumbles.

Asked whether he's cured his fumble-itis, Wells said: "I don't feel like it's an issue at all. It was a learning experience. I learned, and I'm past it."

Defenders wince at the thought of tackling him one-on-one, and teammates still giggle over a collision he had with sophomore safety Aaron Gant last year.

"It was a good hit," cornerback Malcolm Jenkins said, cracking a smile. "Chris landed on his back.

But the next play, Aaron was back there by himself, and he started stumbling and fell. He was so dizzy, he just fell by himself."

With inexperience at quarterback and receiver, the Buckeyes probably will need Wells to knock a few opponents senseless this season.

"We've been challenging him all along, 'You've got to show us you can carry it an unlimited number of times, and that takes great conditioning,' " Tressel said. "I think he's done that."

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2125 or at dharris@coxohio.com