It is no secret that the quarterback depth behind Justin Fields is not where Ohio State head coach Ryan Day would like it to be, which makes everybody hold their breath a bit when Fields is tasked with running the ball.
The “problem” for Day is that Fields’ ability to run the ball makes this Buckeye offense even more dangerous. Even including the times he’s been sacked this season, Fields has rushed for 47 yards per game on about nine carries per contest. And his eight touchdowns are second in the conference.
Having been clocked in the 4.4s, and standing at 6-foot-3 and weighing 223 pounds, Fields is the kind of weapon that a coach can’t not use.
“We don’t want to be in a situation where we have to run him too much,” Day said. “But when you get in the red zone or you get in those certain situations where it’s such an advantage for us, then if we’ve got to go win the game we’re going to do it. And he understands that and he’s been great about it. And he’s shown the toughness that we need to do that.”
There is a give and take every time Day calls for a run or creates the possibility that Fields will choose to keep the ball on a read option. But watching him tear off down the field for 51 or 35 yards — as well as keeping defenses honest when it comes to targeting tailback JK Dobbins, the reward has been worth it so far.
“A calculated risk every time that happens,” Day said. “Again we don’t want him taking shots or expose him. But at the same time he’s a talent and he’s a load. It’s not like he’s skinny or he’s going to take too many shots, and he actually delivers the blow on some guys. That’s the way he’s built. He’s big and strong which really helps.”
Where Day has yet to be concerned this season is in the toughness of his quarterback. He didn’t know how Fields would handle that aspect of the game before the season, but he learned pretty quickly this season that there are no issues there. In fact, Day continues to be impressed week after week by the toughness Fields has shown, especially their last time out against Michigan State.
“I think when you’re preaching toughness and your quarterback takes a shot right in the face, one that to me was questionable, and he comes back and throws a fade in the corner of the end zone one week and then lowers a shoulder and takes a shot in the thigh to score a touchdown late in the game, t just goes to show you what this kid’s made of,” Day said.
“On JK’s touchdown run or two of them, he’s carrying out his fake and then he’s running down the field to help block. He was almost in the end zone before JK on the long run. And the other one he’s leading to try to help block.”
And as Fields displays his toughness on his weekly basis, he is also maturing into the leader that the Buckeyes need at that position.
For a guy who has been on the roster for about 10 months now, Day has been impressed with how Fields has handled the pressure — both internal and external from opposing defenses — and continues to get back up and ask for more.
And Day isn’t the only one who sees it.
“Yeah, I think a lot of guys on the team are taking notice of that,” he said.
“To see the last couple games, the way he’s taken a few shots, the way he’s run the ball and then come right back, that is some grittiness there. And that’s very exciting.”