Ohio State football: Running backs pushing each other

Now the roster consists of four on scholarship, and that could be considered enviable depth for coach Tony Alford — though that is more a matter of quality than quantity.

In true sophomore TreVeyon Henderson, Alford has a potential superstar starter with the ability to take any carry the distance.

In redshirt sophomore Miyan Williams, he has a shifty bowling ball who could probably start at many other schools.

Behind them are redshirt freshman Evan Pryor, who is hoping to carve out a niche this fall even if touches are limited, and true freshman Dallan Hayden, who might not get much run but is also a twisted ankle or two from being in the mix.

Alford is not worried about a pecking order, though.

“I just want guys to continue to get better, and if you show you can play winning ball, then we’re going to find ways to put you on the field to help the football team to win,” Alford said. “And to say there’s got to be this major separation, quite frankly, I hope there’s not a whole lot of separation. It means we’ve got some really good guys and not one guy is so heads and tails above someone else. You’d like to have an opportunity to have three or four guys that you can throw in and feel comfortable throwing them in the fire.”

The foursome all agree they are a tight group and downplayed any potential for animosity as playing time gets divvied up this season.

“I don’t think none of us are really focused on, like, beating each other out,” said Williams, who would be the most justified in feeling anxious if anyone did.

He worked his way to the top of the depth chart last season only to see Henderson claim the No. 1 running back role by the end of September.

Williams missed three games with an undisclosed injury but showed flashes of what he can do from time to time in the second half of the season.

At a time when many players opt to look for greener pastures when they hit adversity, Williams instead remade his body and showed up in the preseason looking ready to make another mark.

“We’re just trying to build each other up and whoever gets the chance to go in there, we just cheer them on,” he said. “And then when it’s our turn, we just keep the training rolling, try to help the team win.

“We’re all just trying to win the natty. That’s my goal right now. Win the first game, win every game of the season, beat The Tea Up North (Michigan), win the Big Ten, win the natty.”

Even if they say they are not competing for carries, the backs agreed there is plenty of trying to top each other.

“Now we compete each and every day in almost everything we do,” Henderson said. “One thing that keeps all of us going as Coach Alford says, ‘Never, never waste a day.’ I’m trying to make sure I’m on top of things and stuff that just keep me motivated and keep me going.

“So yeah, the room is very competitive. We make each other better in so many ways.”

While acknowledging he’s excited to have options, Alford declined to speculate on how many carries might go to each back if they are all healthy all season.

“I don’t have a crystal ball,” the coach said. “I say the same thing every year. I get asked the same question every year, and it’s gonna be the same answer every year. But those guys all deserve to play. So I got to make sure they’re all ready to play because they all have shown the capacity and the ability to play winning football.”