A former star of the Ohio State Buckeyes joins the struggling NFL team

Ohio State University has long been a powerhouse in college football, consistently producing elite players who go on to have successful careers in the NFL. From the days of Archie Griffin and Eddie George to the more recent talents like Dwayne Haskins, Chase Young, and Justin Fields, the Buckeyes have built a reputation for developing some of the most highly coveted NFL prospects year after year. However, not every Ohio State player who enters the professional ranks immediately finds success. Some face challenges as they adjust to the physical and mental demands of the NFL. But for many former Buckeyes, their journey is a testament to resilience, perseverance, and talent.

One former Ohio State star who is looking to take his career to the next level is J.K. Dobbins, the running back who made waves during his time with the Buckeyes. Dobbins, once one of the most dynamic and electrifying backs in college football, now finds himself trying to reignite his career with a struggling NFL team: the Baltimore Ravens.

Dobbins, who was drafted by the Ravens in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft, was expected to be a major contributor to the team’s offense. With his exceptional speed, vision, and cutting ability, many believed he would emerge as one of the top running backs in the league. However, injuries have slowed his development, and the Ravens have struggled to get consistent production from their backfield in recent seasons. Despite these setbacks, Dobbins remains hopeful that he can return to form and fulfill his potential in the NFL, much like he did during his standout career at Ohio State.

This article will take a closer look at J.K. Dobbins’ journey from his time at Ohio State to his current situation with the Baltimore Ravens. We’ll explore the challenges he’s faced, how his Ohio State legacy shaped his career, and the potential impact he could have on the Ravens as they attempt to rebuild their offense.

1. The Ohio State Legacy: A Star Is Born

J.K. Dobbins’ journey to the NFL began in Columbus, where he established himself as one of the most dominant running backs in college football. Dobbins was a highly recruited athlete out of La Grange, Texas, where he had already shown signs of being a special talent. He committed to Ohio State, and during his freshman year in 2017, he made an immediate impact, rushing for over 1,000 yards and securing his place as one of the most exciting players in the country.

• Breakout Seasons at Ohio State: Over the next two seasons, Dobbins continued to grow and evolve as a running back. In 2018, he rushed for 1,053 yards and 10 touchdowns, further solidifying his status as one of the nation’s premier backs. However, it was in 2019 that he truly put himself on the map as one of the best running backs in the country. That year, Dobbins rushed for a staggering 2,003 yards, setting a new single-season record for Ohio State. His performance helped lead the Buckeyes to a Big Ten title and a College Football Playoff appearance, where Dobbins’ explosiveness and vision were on full display.
• Skills That Made Dobbins Stand Out: What set Dobbins apart from other running backs was his combination of speed, agility, and vision. His ability to find gaps in the defense, his quick decision-making, and his burst through the line made him a nightmare for opposing defenses. Dobbins wasn’t just a one-dimensional player—he was a true three-down back who could break away on long runs, catch passes out of the backfield, and block in pass protection. His versatility made him an attractive prospect for NFL teams, and it wasn’t surprising when he declared for the 2020 NFL Draft after his stellar 2019 campaign.

2. NFL Journey: Expectations and Setbacks

After a remarkable career at Ohio State, Dobbins entered the NFL Draft with high expectations. The Baltimore Ravens, led by Head Coach John Harbaugh, selected Dobbins with the 55th overall pick in the second round, signaling their belief in his ability to become the centerpiece of their ground game. The Ravens, known for their dominant running attack, appeared to be a perfect fit for Dobbins’ skill set.

However, as is often the case with young NFL players, the transition from college to the pros is never smooth, and Dobbins’ career took an unexpected turn right out of the gate.

• A Promising Start: In his rookie season (2020), Dobbins showed flashes of the talent that made him such a standout at Ohio State. Despite splitting carries with veteran running back Mark Ingram, Dobbins still rushed for 805 yards and 9 touchdowns, averaging a solid 6.0 yards per carry. His ability to contribute in both the running and passing game made him a valuable weapon for the Ravens offense, and it seemed like Dobbins was poised for a breakout year in 2021.
• Injury Setbacks: However, Dobbins’ sophomore season was marred by a significant injury. During the 2021 preseason, Dobbins tore his ACL in a non-contact drill, forcing him to miss the entire 2021 season. The injury was a massive blow, not only for Dobbins but also for the Ravens, who were relying on him to take over as the primary back in their run-heavy offense.
• Slow Return to Form: Dobbins made his return to the field in 2022, but he was far from 100%. He appeared in just eight games, rushing for only 520 yards and 2 touchdowns, which was a far cry from his dominant days at Ohio State. Though he showed glimpses of his old self, it was clear that Dobbins had not fully recovered from his knee injury, and he struggled to regain his previous level of performance.
• Challenges with the Ravens’ Offense: In addition to his injury woes, Dobbins also had to navigate an offense that was struggling to find consistency in the passing game. The Ravens’ offense, which had once been built around their elite rushing attack, had begun to stall due to a lack of balance. Quarterback Lamar Jackson missed several games in 2022 due to injury, and the passing game lacked a reliable target outside of tight end Mark Andrews. This put even more pressure on the running game, but Dobbins and the Ravens could not consistently deliver.

3. The Struggling Ravens: A Team in Transition

The Baltimore Ravens have faced several challenges over the past few seasons, particularly on the offensive side of the ball. The team, known for its hard-nosed defense and dominant rushing attack, has struggled to maintain the offensive balance that made it so dangerous in the past.

• Injuries and Inconsistency: The loss of key players, including Lamar Jackson’s injuries, has significantly affected the Ravens’ offense. Without their star quarterback, the Ravens were forced to rely on backup quarterbacks like Tyler Huntley, which further hindered their ability to execute a successful offensive game plan.
• Lack of Receiving Threats: One of the major problems facing the Ravens in recent seasons has been the lack of a legitimate receiving threat outside of Mark Andrews. The team has struggled to develop or acquire a true No. 1 wide receiver, forcing Lamar Jackson to rely heavily on the run game. While the Ravens have one of the league’s most successful rushing offenses, they need to find more balance in their offense to contend with high-powered teams like the Kansas City Chiefs and Buffalo Bills.
• A New Offensive Strategy?: With the Ravens heading into the 2023 season, the team is in the midst of rethinking its offensive approach. Offensive coordinator Greg Roman, known for his heavy reliance on the run game, was let go, and the team hired Todd Monken to bring a more diverse offensive system. This change could have significant implications for Dobbins and his role in the offense. A more pass-oriented offense could take some of the pressure off Dobbins and allow him to focus on being the workhorse back he was drafted to be.

4. Dobbins’ Opportunity: A Chance to Shine

As the Ravens look to retool their offense and build a team capable of competing for championships, J.K. Dobbins has the opportunity to prove that he can be a key piece of that equation. While he has dealt with setbacks due to injury, his potential is still evident. If he can stay healthy, he has the talent to help elevate the Ravens’ offense.

• A Return to Form: The most important thing for Dobbins heading into the 2023 season is his health. If he can fully recover from his knee injury and regain his explosiveness, he has the tools to become one of the top running backs in the league. His vision, quickness, and ability to break tackles make him a dangerous weapon in any offense, and he could help the Ravens return to their dominant run-first philosophy.
• The Fit with Lamar Jackson: Dobbins’ success in Baltimore is closely tied to Lamar Jackson’s health and ability to lead the offense. Jackson’s dual-threat ability as both a passer and runner creates opportunities for running backs like Dobbins to shine. The Ravens’ offense is at its best when both Jackson and Dobbins are firing on all cylinders, as it forces defenses to pick their poison between the quarterback’s legs and Dobbins’ rushing ability.
• Proving His Value: For Dobbins, the 2023 season is an opportunity to prove that he can stay healthy and be a major contributor. The Ravens will be looking for a running back who can carry the load and complement their passing game, and Dobbins could be the answer if he can stay on the field and perform at a high level.

A New Chapter for J.K. Dobbins

J.K. Dobbins’ journey from Ohio State to the NFL has been filled with both promise and adversity. While his time in Baltimore has been marred by injury, there is still hope for a resurgence. As the Ravens rebuild their offense, Dobbins has the chance to become a central figure once again, proving that his potential as a top-tier NFL running back is far from gone.

Ohio State fans, who have followed Dobbins’

journey from his standout years in Columbus, will be hoping that he can return to form and reclaim his spot as one of the best running backs in the NFL. The road has not been easy, but with a fresh start and a healthy body, J.K. Dobbins could once again make a significant impact on the field for the Ravens and continue to build on the legacy he started at Ohio State.