Dobbins declares for draft after record-breaking season at OSU
The player who turned in Ohio State football’s most prolific rushing season ever is moving on to the NFL.
Running back J.K. Dobbins declared via Twitter on Monday that he will leave school after three seasons to enter the NFL Draft.
Dobbins rushed for an OSU single-season record 2,003 yards, which currently ranks second only to Oklahoma State’s Chuba Hubbard. He also rushed for 21 yards, tied for third nationally.
In the letter Dobbins posted, he thanked numerous coaches and support staff and Ohio State fans for the memories.
“Thank you for everything,” Dobbins wrote. “Coming to Ohio from Texas has been nothing short of a dream. I’ve built relationships that will last me a lifetime at this great university. I’ve created bonds with my brothers on the teams for the past three years that will never be broken.
“Buckeye nation, thank you for all the incredible memories. I love you guys more than you will ever know.”
Dobbins concludes his Ohio State career ranking second with 4,459 yards sixth with 38 touchdowns.
The running back from Texas began his career with a promising freshman season, then felt he did not adequately follow it up as a sophomore.
That set the stage for what unfolded in 2019, with Dobbins galvanizing the Ohio State offense with breakaway touchdowns or workhorse performances as needed — and sometimes a little of both.
He carried 31 or more times in three consecutive games in victories over three straight ranked opponents — Penn State, Michigan and Wisconsin. That last victory came in the Big Ten championship game, where Dobbins’ 172 yards helped the Buckeyes cap an undefeated regular season and earn a return to the College Football Playoff.
Dobbins again displayed both his top-end skill and grit in the Fiesta Bowl loss to Clemson on Saturday. He rushed for 144 yards and a touchdown on his first seven carries. After leaving the game with an ankle injury, he returned to finish with 221 yards on 24 touches, adding value as a receiver as the Buckeyes attempted to rally.
Dobbins said after the game no decision had been made on his future, though he was widely expected to submit for the draft. In October, college football and NFL Draft analyst Phil Steele said Dobbins and Wisconsin’s Jonathan Taylor were “clearly” the top two running backs in the 2020 NFL Draft class.
Underclassmen have until Jan. 17 to declare for the NFL Draft. Dobbins was one of several key contributors also expected to leave early for pro considerations. Among the others are Ohio State’s consensus All-Americans: cornerback Jeff Okudah and defensive end Chase Young.
Junior-to-be Master Teague becomes the most experienced player in the Ohio State running back room, having rushed for nearly 800 yards this season. True freshmen Marcus Crowley and Steele Chambers combined for 372 yards in limited usage.