What will be Ohio State football running back Dallan Hayden's role against Michigan?
Freshman Dallan Hayden could continue to see an elevated role in Ohio State’s backfield.
Buckeyes coach Ryan Day said it is “definitely worth a conversation” for Hayden to see more carries if TreVeyon Henderson and Miyan Williams remain banged up against Michigan on Saturday.
“The film speaks for itself,” Day said, “and you've got to make that decision of who's the best guy in this moment to go on the field.”
Hayden carried the load for the Buckeyes in their 43-30 win at Maryland last weekend when he rushed for 146 yards and three touchdowns on 27 carries, nearly of them coming in the second half as Henderson was hobbled by a foot injury in his limited return.
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It was the most carries in a game by any running back for the Buckeyes this season.
“The way he stepped up last week was certainly tremendous and encouraging,” Day said.
The message Ohio State’s staff gave to Hayden when they turned to him in the third and fourth quarters against the Terrapins was a simple one.
“They told me to trust whatever I see,” Hayden said, “and most importantly, take care of the ball.”
Hayden hasn't fumbled as he shouldered the heavier load in place of the top backs on the depth chart.
“It was great to see him take care of the football,” Day said. “That’s the number one thing we need.”
TreVeyon Henderson, Miyan Williams dealing with injuries
Both Henderson and Williams have been dealing with injuries over the past month. Henderson aggravated a foot injury at Penn State on Halloween weekend and missed the following two games. He had been a walking boot on his left foot.
In a win over Indiana on Nov. 12, Williams went down after a hard landing on his right foot and did not travel to Maryland.
Day has not been definitive about the statuses of Henderson and Williams, as well as Chip Trayanum, for Saturday’s rivalry game.
Speaking on his radio show on 97.1 FM on Wednesday, he said they had a “good day of practice” the previous day and expressed some optimism about their recoveries.
“Really looking forward to getting a couple of guys back in that room,” Day said.
Without them, Hayden would be the lone scholarship back.
Joey Kaufman covers Ohio State football for The Columbus Dispatch. Contact him at jkaufman@dispatch.com or on Twitter @joeyrkaufman.
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This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: As Ohio State running backs fight injury, what is Dallan Hayden's role
