Out of all of the positions on the team, the running backs are the least concerning heading into game one.

Since the end of last season, it has been no secret that the Buckeyes are loaded with runners. Spring practice and fall camp have only increased the anticipation to see what these guys can do.

With a new quarterback and inexperienced receivers, the running backs will need to be good; good enough to carry the offense.

Behind a solid offensive line, establishing the run will be even more important than usual early in 2011.

Here is a player-by-player look at the running backs and fullbacks.

Running Backs

The backs can be broken down into two groups; big and quick. Carlos Hyde and Rod Smith are the ‘big’ backs with Jordan Hall and Jaamal Berry being in the ‘quick’ category.

Boom Herron is somewhere in the middle, which is part of the reason I think he will jump back to the top of the depth chart in Lincoln. He has a combination of speed and power that takes him to the next level.

Together, the group is an embarrassment of riches, and if the passing attack can keep teams from putting nine defenders in the box, the Buckeyes will have a great year running the ball.

Jordan Hall

#7 Junior, RB

5’9″ 195 lbs.

Jordan Hall was the number one back on the depth chart this week, and based on everything I have seen during practices, that is not a surprise.

As the starter, much will be expected of him. On top of running the ball, he will also be used in the passing game and, if that weren’t enough, it looks like he will return kicks as well.

His biggest strengths are his vision and balance, which he demonstrated numerous times returning kicks last season. He does some of his best work in the open field (who doesn’t), so it makes sense to get him there in as many ways as possible (split out wide, returns, etc.).

Now matter how he is used, Jordan Hall will be a big part of the offensive game plan and the new QBs best friend.

Carlos Hyde

#34 Sophomore, RB

6’0″ 238 lbs.

Carlos Hyde has been the thunder to Hall’s lightning during practice.

He isn’t just a power back, however, after reportedly running the fastest 40 time of all the backs over the summer. If that is true (I am still a bit skeptical) it is no wonder he has been the primary back splitting time on the first team with Jordan Hall.

Hyde perfectly compliments Hall’s biggest weakness, which is moving the pile on short yardage plays.

He is listed as an either/or option with Rod Smith as the second running back, but based on practice, I think Hyde will get the first crack on Saturday.

Rod Smith

#24 RS Freshman, RB

6’3″ 230 lbs.

If we were playing the “he reminds me of” game, Rod Smith is the easiest answer on the team: Eddie George.

I’m not saying he will win the Heisman trophy (at least not this season), but when Rod Smith runs, you can’t help but make the comparison.

A long strider with great speed and power, Smith looks smooth in the open field… and when he runs people over.

When defenders get tired of chasing Jordan Hall (and Jaamal Berry when he gets healthy) all over the field, getting run over by Rod Smith or Carlos Hyde will be a real treat for them.

Jaamal Berry

#4 RS Sophomore, RB

5’10” 200 lbs.

Jaamal Berry is the definition of a ‘quick’ back, and he could be used much like Jordan Hall in the offense.

Unfortunately, he was limited near the end of camp by a hamstring injury that is still bothering him, as indicated by his absence from the depth chart.

I’ve said it before, but when Berry runs there is an electricity in the stadium that the other backs don’t create. He is so explosive that you get the feeling he could take it to the house any time he has the ball.

This is not the first time he has been limited by hamstring problems, and it couldn’t have come at a worse time for him.

In a year where carries are being spread between at least three players to begin with, missing the last few weeks of practice before the first game could set him back for the entire season, particularly if the other backs perform up to expectations.

Daniel “Boom” Herron

#1 RS Senior, RB

5’10” 205 lbs.

Despite being suspended for five games, Boom Herron has remained the vocal leader of the running backs and the offense.

His effort during practice has not diminished at all since the first days of winter conditioning. He clearly wants the starting job back in game six, and I would be shocked if he didn’t earn it.

As I mentioned in the intro, Boom has a special combination of power and quickness that sets him apart from the rest of the backs.

That said, the thing that really puts him over the top is the effort that he shows on every single play. You can tell he has been through the grind of a Big Ten schedule; he knows what it takes to break the first tackle and get the extra yard when it matters most.

Herron’s statistics will obviously be down this season, but his leadership will be huge early in the year, and his return to the field will make an already good backfield even better.

Zach Boren

#44 Junior, FB

6’0″ 252 lbs.

Zach Boren has been the sledgehammer opening up running lanes for the offense since he was a true freshman in 2009.

Now in his third year as the starting fullback, it is only natural to assume that he will continue to improve, which is an exciting prospect considering he is already the best fullback in the Big Ten.

An interesting new wrinkle that we got a glimpse of last season is Boren catching passes out of the backfield. He won’t make anyone miss in the open field, but he will make plenty of defenders think twice when it comes time to tackle him the next time.

With a new quarterback, outlet passes will be a major part of the offensive plan, which means Boren could carry the rock even more this season.

Adam Homan

#49 Junior, FB

6’2″ 248 lbs.

Adam Homan has had a relatively quiet career so far in Columbus, but along with Zach Boren, he is a part of arguably the best fullback duo in the Big Ten. He will continue to do his work on offense with little attention, and he will continue to do it well.