Ohio State has mostly been without the services of sophomore running back Dallan Hayden this season, but it’s been intentional, with the Buckeyes planning to utilize a redshirt for the Memphis, Tenn., native.
Hayden appeared in 10 games during his freshman season, rushing for 553 yards and five touchdowns, finishing third on the team in rushing yards.
But he’s appeared in just one game so far this season and has yet to carry the ball, with head coach Ryan Day indicating Tuesday that the team is being careful to avoid not using a year of his eligibility if they do not need to.
“He’s ready to go,” Day said. “He’s practicing, and if appropriate, we’ll put him in the game, but we don’t want to have him play in five or six games without getting a bunch of work in. We just don’t think that’s the right thing to do for Dallan.”
While Hayden’s services could have been used against Maryland, with the Buckeyes missing usual start TreVeyon Henderson and the team’s other running backs – Chip Trayanum and Miyan Williams – struggling to find a groove, a potential redshirt for Hayden is a look toward the future, with the possibility of Ohio State’s top three running backs all departing after this season.
“We do think he’s great,” Day said. “I think he’s a really good player.”
