Coach Ryan Day of the Ohio State Buckeyes had stated that running back Dallan Hayden would redshirt in Year 2 due to a lack of depth, but is that still the case following a strong performance against Purdue?
With TreVeyon Henderson and Miyan Williams sidelined for Saturday’s 41-7 victory over the Boilermakers, the Buckeyes went to Hayden. After Chip Trayanum went down with what appeared to be a head injury at the end of the first quarter, they significantly increased his role.
Hayden, who had a three-touchdown day against Maryland in Week 13 last season, thrived as a starter, totaling 11 carries for 76 yards and a touchdown. It’s one thing to say he impressed in a pinch, but the sophomore from Memphis. Tenn. caught the attention of Day. “The best thing Dallan does is when the ball’s in his hands,” Day said Tuesday. “There’s certainly more to it than that, but we’re happy with how he played on Saturday.”
According to the NCAA ruling, players can see action in four games and still remain eligible for a redshirt at the end of the year. So far, Hayden’s played in two games, seeing sporadic reps on special teams and with the second-team offense in the season-opening win against Indiana.
Day initially said Hayden would be used out of necessity to save a season of eligibility where his rep count could double. Trayanum’s departure made Hayden’s play count a priority for the No. 3 Buckeyes (6-0. 3-0 Big Ten) if they wanted to remain a multi-purpose offense.
Day hopes to get the trio of tailbacks ahead of Hayden on the depth chart back on Saturday against No. 6 Penn State. Day didn’t detail the specific injuries, but he seemed optimistic Henderson and Williams would return along with junior receiver Emeka Egbuka. The Nittany Lions (6-0, 3-0 Big Ten) feature one of the nation’s top defenses, so burning a game of eligibility for Hayden to have little success could make little sense. Then again, perhaps Hayden is the missing link to get the Buckeyes’ anemic run game back on pace.
“We’re still going to do what we think is best to win every game,” Day said. “It was great to see Dallan run out there and play the game. When that [redshirt] decision has to be made, we’ll make that decision. That decision doesn’t have to be made right now because we still have a little bit more wiggle room.” Day mentioned that Hayden is eager to play. Perhaps the Buckeyes are delighted to see a runner with upside to help them contend for the present and long-term future.
Plans to redshirt Hayden have not changed as of yet. In order to return to the College Football Playoff, Day must be flexible about what is best for the roster because plans might change at any time. “If it comes down to winning games, we’ll definitely sit down with Dallan and make sure we’re all on the same page,” Day said. “Dallan wants to act in his own best interests as well as those of Ohio State.” The Nittany Lions’ game against Ohio Stadium’s Buckeyes is set to start at noon.
