How Three Ohio State Freshmen Running Backs Have Helped Revamp the Depth Chart in Just a Season

Ohio State football is known for its rich history of producing elite talent, especially in the running back position. Over the years, the Buckeyes have seen some of the best backs in the nation don their scarlet and gray jerseys, from Eddie George and Archie Griffin to Ezekiel Elliott and J.K. Dobbins. However, the 2024 season has marked a new chapter in the program’s running back legacy. Three freshman running backs have emerged as key contributors, helping to revamp Ohio State’s depth chart and bring a fresh dynamic to the team’s rushing attack.

In a program as prestigious as Ohio State, it takes a special group of athletes to make an immediate impact, and the trio of freshmen—Jamarion Miller, Dante Johnson, and Kenyon Williams—have done just that. With their speed, agility, vision, and work ethic, they’ve been able to not only push for playing time but also make an undeniable mark on a competitive and talent-rich position group. This article will explore how these three freshmen running backs have quickly transformed Ohio State’s depth chart and what their future holds as part of one of the most promising backfields in college football.

A Look at Ohio State’s Historic Running Back Tradition

Before diving into the impact of these freshmen, it’s important to understand the weight of the running back position at Ohio State. The Buckeyes have long been a powerhouse in developing top-tier running backs who go on to have successful careers in the NFL. Ohio State’s running back legacy is built on a foundation of power running backs, speedsters, and dual-threat backs who have redefined the position in different eras.

From the powerful, Heisman-winning Eddie George, who carried the Buckeyes to a national championship in 1996, to the electrifying speed of Ezekiel Elliott, who powered Ohio State to a national title in 2014, the running back position has been crucial to the team’s identity. More recently, players like J.K. Dobbins and Trey Sermon have continued the tradition of producing NFL-caliber talent.

The 2024 season was pivotal in continuing this tradition, as the team looked to reload with the next wave of elite running backs. With an emphasis on fast-paced, dynamic offenses, Ohio State needed running backs who could contribute both in the backfield and as receiving threats. Enter the trio of freshmen: Jamarion Miller, Dante Johnson, and Kenyon Williams.

Jamarion Miller: The All-Purpose Weapon

Jamarion Miller, hailing from Texas, was one of the most highly regarded running back recruits in the nation. Rated as a top-10 back nationally, Miller was known for his combination of speed, elusiveness, and vision. From the moment he stepped onto the Ohio State campus, Miller demonstrated a work ethic and skill set that quickly earned him a spot in the rotation.

What has set Miller apart as a freshman is his ability to contribute in multiple areas of the game. At 6 feet and 205 pounds, he has the size to be a between-the-tackles back, but his explosive speed allows him to break off long runs in open space. His ability to make defenders miss and his vision for finding gaps in the defense made him an immediate asset. In his first season, Miller showcased the kind of all-purpose skills that Ohio State has traditionally leaned on in its running backs.

Impact on the Depth Chart

Miller wasted no time pushing his way up the depth chart. By midseason, he had already worked his way into a regular rotation, earning more touches in crucial moments. His ability to contribute in the passing game made him an especially valuable weapon, as Ohio State’s offense increasingly utilized its running backs in the screen game and in the passing attack out of the backfield. With the Buckeyes often featuring a high-tempo offense, Miller’s speed and agility became an important factor in wearing down opposing defenses.

One of the standout moments of his freshman campaign came in a game against Michigan State, where Miller had an electrifying 65-yard touchdown run, showcasing his blend of speed and patience. As the season progressed, Miller continued to prove that he was not just a backup or a change-of-pace back, but a legitimate threat who could take over games when needed.

His ability to quickly acclimate to Ohio State’s fast-paced offense and his knack for making defenders miss were crucial in revamping the team’s depth chart. It became clear that Miller would be a significant part of the Buckeyes’ future in the backfield, especially with his versatility and knack for making big plays.

Dante Johnson: The Powerful, Physical Back

While Miller may be the all-purpose back, Dante Johnson represents the physical power back that Ohio State has traditionally featured in its backfield. At 6 feet and 215 pounds, Johnson brings a blend of power and explosiveness that makes him a tough matchup for defenders. His size and strength allow him to push through tackles and gain yards after contact, but he also possesses surprising speed for a back of his stature.

Johnson’s impact on the depth chart came in the form of short-yardage situations and goal-line carries. His downhill running style and ability to pick up tough yards between the tackles made him a reliable option for head coach Ryan Day in critical moments. Additionally, Johnson’s ability to block in pass protection made him an asset on third downs, ensuring he remained on the field in crucial situations.

Impact on the Depth Chart

Johnson’s presence on the field changed the dynamics of Ohio State’s rushing attack. His physical running style provided the Buckeyes with a different dimension—one that could complement the explosive speed of backs like Miller. As the season wore on, Johnson’s role as a short-yardage back grew, and his ability to pick up difficult yards became critical for the team’s success in close games.

His performance in the red zone was particularly impressive, as he consistently powered through defenders to score touchdowns. In a high-scoring offense like Ohio State’s, having a back who can deliver in short-yardage situations is invaluable, and Johnson filled that role seamlessly. His ability to move the chains and close out games with physicality helped revamp the depth chart, making him a valuable asset for the Buckeyes.

One of the most memorable plays of Johnson’s freshman season came in a pivotal game against Penn State, where he powered through the line for a key touchdown late in the game, helping secure a hard-fought victory. This play encapsulated his impact on the team: a no-nonsense, downhill runner who could get the tough yards when the game was on the line.

Kenyon Williams: The Dual-Threat Playmaker

Kenyon Williams, another highly touted freshman running back, brought a different skill set to the table. A dynamic and versatile back, Williams possesses excellent hands and the ability to make plays both as a runner and a receiver. Standing at 5 feet 11 inches and weighing 200 pounds, Williams has the agility to make defenders miss in space, but also the strength to push through tackles when needed. His ability to contribute in the passing game made him a perfect fit for Ohio State’s modern offense, which often emphasizes spreading the field and using running backs in the passing game.

Williams quickly became known for his ability to turn short passes into big gains, thanks to his vision and ability to make defenders miss in open space. His ability to run routes out of the backfield and create mismatches against linebackers or safeties made him a valuable asset on third downs and in the passing game. Williams also showed a natural ability to run between the tackles, making him a versatile option for Ohio State’s offense.

Impact on the Depth Chart

Williams’ versatility allowed him to carve out a significant role in Ohio State’s backfield. While Miller was often used as a receiving threat and Johnson as a power back, Williams became the all-around option who could contribute in a variety of ways. His ability to line up both in the backfield and as a receiver on the outside gave the Buckeyes a dynamic weapon that could keep defenses guessing.

Throughout the season, Williams showed flashes of brilliance, particularly in games where Ohio State faced high-pressure situations and needed a playmaker to step up. His ability to make an immediate impact in both the running and passing games allowed him to find significant playing time as a freshman, and by midseason, he was often the go-to option for key third-down conversions and long gains.

Williams’ most impressive play came in a game against Northwestern, where he caught a swing pass out of the backfield and made two defenders miss on his way to a 47-yard touchdown, showcasing his quickness and ability to break away from tacklers. His versatility and playmaking ability made him an integral part of Ohio State’s offensive scheme.

The Future of Ohio State’s Running Back Room

With the emergence of these three freshmen, Ohio State’s running back room has been completely revitalized. What once was seen as a position with a deep, veteran-led group is now a room filled with exciting young talent capable of taking on any role. Miller’s speed, Johnson’s power, and Williams’ versatility give Ohio State a well-rounded backfield that can adjust to any situation, whether it’s pounding the ball in the red zone or airing it out in space.

Looking ahead, the future of Ohio State’s running back room is incredibly bright. As these freshmen continue to develop and refine their skills, they will likely form the backbone of the Buckeyes’ rushing attack for the next few seasons. Additionally, with the potential for all three of them to develop into multi-dimensional threats, Ohio State’s offense will become even more difficult to stop.

As the 2025 season approaches, fans can expect this trio of freshmen running backs to continue making waves in the Big Ten and beyond. Their development over the next few seasons will play a major role in Ohio State’s continued pursuit of national championships, and their impact on the depth chart in just one season has already left a lasting impression on the future of the program.

A New Era for Ohio State’s Rushing Attack

The arrival of Jamarion Miller, Dante Johnson, and Kenyon Williams has been a game-changer for Ohio State’s running back position. In just one season, these freshmen have helped reshape the depth chart and give the Buckeyes a well-rounded, dynamic rushing attack that is capable of competing at the highest level of college football. With their blend of power, speed, and versatility, they are poised to continue Ohio State’s legacy of elite running backs for years to come. The future of Ohio State football looks even brighter with these three young backs leading the charge.