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Buckeye Breakdown: Why Dwayne Haskins Was Named Starting Quarterback

Kyle Morgan
Dwayne Haskins Ohio State Football Buckeyes

Dwayne Haskins is one of the front-runners for the starting QB job.

Roughly four hours after yesterday’s breakdown was posted on the reasons why Joe Burrow should be named the starter, Burrow announced through Twitter that he would be transferring out of the program.

While the writing was on the wall and the rumors were swirling, the loss of Burrow feels much like a 5-star recruit decommitting before Signing Day. Burrow was well-respected by teammates and he outwardly has spoken of his love for his teammates as well as the University, but he decided to take matters into his own hands and control his future. Nobody can fault him for that. Buckeye Nation wishes him well.

Dwayne Haskins takes over an offense that returns the entire receiving corps, but will need to replace a few key contributors along the offensive line. With a stable of running backs, Haskins and the offense can lean on the running game to relieve some of the pressure placed on the first-time starter.

The offense may look a little different from the Barrett era, but the core scheme will remain in place. Urban Meyer will still utilize the “Power Spread” but this time he has perhaps the purest passer in his tenure as a head coach.

Here are some of the key traits we can expect out of Dwayne Haskins as we progress towards Fall camp.

As previously mentioned, Ohio State will still look to run the ball as a primary means of attack. With Mike Weber and J.K Dobbins in the backfield, as well as Demario McCall and Parris Campbell as weapons, the flow on offense will be dictated by the offensive line and their ability to establish the run. From there, the Buckeyes will look towards the short passing game and the RPO’s that stem from the Read Option.

What J.T. Barrett lacked in accuracy, particularly on the run, will be made up for with Dwayne Haskins. By using misdirection and moving the pocket, the Buckeyes will be able to make easy reads for Haskins while placing the target and offensive line in a position to be successful.

The major knock on Haskins is his perceived lack of running ability. Barrett could always be counted on to gain positive yards on critical downs, and that security blanket will need to be tested and proven as the schedule turns towards November. While Haskins likely won’t be asked to be a “run-first” Quarterback, he possesses the ability to make things happen when forced to scramble.

An underrated trait that will be missed from the Barrett era was his ability to keep plays alive. He was a magician at times and showed very good ball security in the pocket. Barrett set the bar high in that regard and Haskins will have to prove he can be trusted by Meyer in those situations.

Haskins was forced into the biggest game of the season last year on the road against Michigan. The results were fantastic and one throw in particular became legendary.

Haskins proved it was no fluke by delivering a dart in a nearly identical play in the Spring Game. Haskins needs to prove he will not solely rely on arm strength to matriculate the ball down the field, but in a small sample size he has shown the ability to challenge single coverage and place his receivers in a position to make the play.

Overall, the threat of a downfield passing game should force defenses to make adjustments that will have a trickle-down effect on the run. No longer can teams load the box and sell out against the run, which should allow the offense to operate at a better pace when needed.

 

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