Ezekiel Elliott, Running Back, Ohio State
Overview:
As a freshman in 2013, Ezekiel Elliott did not get much playing time with players like Carlos Hyde in front of him on Ohio State’s depth chart. He made the most of his opportunities though, rushing for 262 yards and two touchdowns on just 30 carries. A year later, Elliott burst onto the scene, rushing for 1,878 yards and 18 touchdowns while leading the Buckeyes to a national championship. Elliott was just a good running back until postseason play. During the regular season he never rushed for over 200 yards in a game and only had ten of his touchdown runs. He saved the best for last. Against Wisconsin in the Big Ten title game, he rushed for 220 yards and two touchdowns. Against Alabama in the semifinals of the playoffs, Elliott rushed for 230 yards and two scores. In those two contests he only had 20 carries in each game. In the national title game, Elliott was the workhorse, rushing 36 times for 246 yards and four touchdowns.
Final Projection:
After finishing the way he did in 2014, the expectations are extremely high for Elliott heading into his junior year. He is an explosive back who can run over defenders who happen to catch up to him. In 2014, Elliott had five touchdown runs that were over 30 yards, including two over 80. He has breakaway speed to go along with that toughness and that is the complete package in college and the NFL.
