Former Ohio State Buckeye earns lofty distinction over NFL Hall of Famers
There was once a time when the NFL loved running backs. In the wake of Christian McCaffrey getting two more years added to his contract and the promising 2025 NFL Draft RB class, the position could be making a comeback. Historically, the position has produced some darn good rookie performers. One analyst ranked former Ohio […]
There was once a time when the NFL loved running backs. In the wake of Christian McCaffrey getting two more years added to his contract and the promising 2025 NFL Draft RB class, the position could be making a comeback. Historically, the position has produced some darn good rookie performers.
One analyst ranked former Ohio State Buckeyes and current Dallas Cowboys tailback Ezekiel Elliott as one of the best rookie backs in NFL history. With Quinshon Judkins and TreVeyon Henderson hoping to match Elliott's NFL success, we dive into what made Elliott so special at Ohio State and in 2016 with Dallas.
Ezekiel Elliott Ranks As An All-Time NFL Rookie
Recently, the 33rd Team ranked the 10 best rookie running back seasons of all time, with Elliott ranked No. 2. The only man above the Buckeyes star was Eric Dickerson, who owns most NFL rookie records at the position. Elliott finished ahead of Hall of Famers Barry Sanders, Edgerrin James, Earl Campbell, and Adrian Peterson (soon to be).
The former Buckeye played in 15 games and still led the NFL with 322 carries, 1,631 yards, and 16 touchdowns. He was third in the MVP race and grabbed an All-Pro nomination. The Cowboys raced to a 13-3 season, as Dak Prescott won the OROY Award over Elliott.
It was a special season for Zeke, and was on the heels of two dominant seasons at Ohio State. He somehow finished seventh in the Heisman Trophy race in 2015 despite totaling 1,821 rushing yards and 23 scores. There's no question the Buckeyes wouldn't have won the 2014 national championship without his dominance.
Considering that Elliott had 1,878 yards and 18 scores on the ground as a junior, then the aforementioned following two seasons, it's one of the most incredible stretches we've ever seen from the position. Buckeye fans enjoyed it front and center on absolutely loaded teams.
No fan will ever forget his three-game hot streak against Wisconsin, Alabama, and Oregon, which included 220, 230, and 246 yards, respectively. He followed that up with at least 101 yards in all but one game in 2015.
Ohio State has been a factory of amazing tailbacks, and Elliott certainly has an argument as one of the very best. Where would you rank him all-time? Let me know in the comments.
