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Scarlet Sunrise: J.K. Dobbins makes a splash in Baltimore Ravens return

IMG_7408by:Andy Backstrom•12/12/22•

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Former Ohio State star running back J.K. Dobbins returned to NFL action with the Baltimore Ravens in Week 14 and was a difference-maker. (Joe Sargent/Getty Images)

Good morning, Ohio State fans, and welcome to the Scarlet Sunrise. Football will always be our focus, but every day we’ll cover news, notes and analysis from across Buckeyes sports. Join us each morning to get caught up on everything you missed in the world of Buckeyes football, recruiting, basketball and more in Scarlet Sunrise.

J.K. Dobbins makes a splash in Baltimore Ravens return

Former Ohio State running back J.K. Dobbins had been sidelined for the Baltimore Ravens since Week 6. An additional surgery on his knee in late October kept him out through the heart of the season. But Dobbins made his return Sunday, and he proved to be the difference in the Ravens’ 16-14 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers. Dobbins rushed for 120 yards on 15 carries, registering his first 100-yard game since Week 16 of the 2020 campaign.

Injuries have been the cause of that drought. Dobbins was out the whole 2021 season with a torn ACL, LCL, meniscus and hamstring. Even though he was back earlier this season, he hadn’t looked like the player he did his rookie year until Sunday against the Steelers, a day on which the Ravens snapped their four-game losing streak to their AFC North rival.

Perhaps most notably, Dobbins burst free for a 44-yard run in the first quarter. He capped that drive with a four-yard touchdown run. Dobbins led Ohio State in rushing from 2017-19, eclipsing the 1,000-yard mark each of those seasons. He ranks second all-time in program history with 4,459 rushing yards, and he set the Buckeyes single-season rushing record in 2019 with 2,003 yards on the ground.

Three Buckeyes who could gain Heisman buzz, earn trip to New York next season

Ohio State quarterback C.J. Stroud didn’t win the Heisman Trophy Friday night — Stroud placed third in the voting, as USC quarterback Caleb Williams took home the award, and TCU signal caller Max Duggan was the runner-up. Stroud still made Buckeyes history this year, though, as a two-time Heisman finalist.

Now that the award’s 2022 ceremony is in the past, it’s time to look toward the future. Which Buckeyes players could generate Heisman buzz next season?

After all, no school has sent more players to New York City as Heisman finalists in the last five years than Ohio State. The late Dwayne Haskins kicked off the run. Then, in 2019, Ohio State sent quarterback Justin Fields and defensive end Chase Young. And, of course, Stroud has made the trip the last two years.

Lettermen Row explores who might be next here.

Buckeye Board: A look at the Ohio State 2023 board 10 days before early signing period opens

College football’s early signing period begins in just nine days. Ohio State currently has the fourth-ranked recruiting class in the 2023 cycle, according to On3.

The Buckeyes have only 19 verbal commits right now. If that number holds, that would be the fewest signees since Ohio State’s 2019 class. But, remember, the crown jewel of that offseason haul was Georgia transfer quarterback Justin Fields.

Despite the size being smaller than usual, there’s no doubt the Buckeyes 2023 recruiting class is coated with talent. Of the 19 current commits, 16 have at least four stars, according to On3. And, besides, head coach Ryan Day and his staff are still putting the finishing touches on this group.

Lettermen Row ranks the remaining targets for Ohio State by priority and looks at where the Buckeyes stand with each prospect here.

READ: Ohio State 2023 class remains locked in place after latest team rankings update

Counting down

Peach Bowl: 19 days away

Buckeyes vs. Michigan: 348 days

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