Ohio State freshman running back Jaamal Berry hopes to be healthier than a year ago, but finding time in a crowded backfield could still prove difficult.
Columbus -- There's been a lot of talk from fans about Jaamal Berry, and no action.
The Ohio State freshman running back, redshirted last season with a hamstring injury that flared up every time he seemed ready to take the field, has intrigued fans since he signed with Ohio State out of Miami, ranked as the No. 5 running back in the Class of 2009 by Rivals.com.
"It was frustrating for me, because I wanted to play so badly," Berry said. "But now that I'm healthy and I'm ready to go, I can't wait to show the world what I can do."
The world may have to look quickly. Hope for a nice peek during the season opener Thursday against Marshall, then don't hold your breath.
Berry has shown some elusiveness, and in Ohio State's team scrimmage he was the leading ball carrier, rushing 17 times for 65 yards unofficially while working with the second team.
But senior Brandon Saine and junior Dan Herron are slotted to share the No. 1 tailback job. Berry and sophomore Jordan Hall, who also has shown some moves of his own, are fighting for time as the No. 3.
In Jim Tressel's nine years, the No. 3 running back has rushed for between 61 and 370 yards in a season, with an average of 192. Throw in freshman Carlos Hyde, and this is undoubtedly the deepest backfield of the Tressel era.
"If everyone is healthy, we've got depth at tailback, no question," Tressel said.
Oh, and don't forget the leading rusher from last season, the quarterback who gained 779 yards on the ground.
"I run the ball, too, so I'm like a running back as well," Terrelle Pryor said. "It's amazing some of the talent we have."
If that talent keeps Berry off the field, then that's a sign that the Buckeyes should be pretty good. Berry just being healthy and able to practice would be a plus. Saine, who was Berry's roommate for preseason camp and battled injuries his first two seasons, has been handing out the advice.
"He had a lot of ups and downs. He was always smiling, though," Saine said. "He always had his head up. He's excited for this year, but last year might have taught him you have to take every chance you can get."
There's some question about exactly what kind of chances any of the running backs will get. Don't expect the sixth 1,000-yard rusher under Tressel. Saine has the most upside, but he might actually be most dangerous catching the ball. Pryor said he'd like to get Saine 40 receptions this season as part of what very well could be an expanded passing attack.
"Getting out in open space is always fun," Saine said. "Running the ball, you have to find the hole. Catching the ball, there might be one person to beat. I think I can be in great mismatches sometimes with linebackers or safeties who aren't as fast."
Tressel said he'd like to get as much speed on the field as possible. Maybe the Buckeyes will find ways to put two of their tailbacks into a formation, such as splitting Saine out wide. And both Saine and Herron have missed games with injuries in their careers, so there's a good chance Berry or Hall could be needed for a heavier load in a game here or there. Berry also is in consideration to serve as one of the primary punt returners
But it's probably not quite Berry's time in the backfield yet, so the intrigue may remain without a lot of hard evidence.
"It's a good thing we have a lot of running backs," Berry said. "We're all competing for the same job, but there's no hatred between any of us. . . . I just want to get back out there and showcase my ability and hopefully move up the depth chart."
If he does move up, that could be good for the Buckeyes. If he doesn't have to, that may be even better.