Scarlet Sunrise: Former Buckeyes star J.K. Dobbins ruled out for season

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 Ohio State football, recruiting, basketball and more in Scarlet Sunrise.

Former Buckeyes star J.K. Dobbins ruled out for season

J.K. Dobbins broke out as a rookie last season. His encore performance has been put on hold for a year.

The former Ohio State 2,000-yard rusher and now Baltimore Ravens star will miss the entire 2021 NFL season with a torn ACL. ESPN’s Adam Schefter confirmed the severity of the injury Sunday after Dobbins went down on the opening drive of the Ravens preseason game Saturday.

Now Dobbins will have surgery and hope to be back in time to train for next season.

Dobbins had one of the best years for a running back in Ohio State history in 2019, and he followed it up with a brilliant rookie campaign in Baltimore. But he’ll be on the shelf for his entire sophomore season.

Thayer Munford entrusted with ‘Block O’ jersey

The newest Ohio State tradition has its second recipient: Thayer Munford has been awarded the Block O jersey honor for this football season.

A one-time underrated recruit and now potential first-round NFL draft pick on the offensive line, Munford has worked to become a leader for the Buckeyes throughout his career.

Just one week after being named a team captain, the fifth-year senior was announced as the next player to be given the honor on social media Saturday.

Munford is the second Buckeyes player to be awarded the Block O jersey. The tradition was started last season, and the program picked then-senior leader Jonathon Cooper.

Now Munford has his chance to represent the award on the other side of the ball, although he won’t be able to actually wear No. 0 on the field since he’s an offensive lineman. He’ll still be wearing No. 75 but will have a distinction of being the pick for the coveted jersey number.

Will Ohio State go after in-state star quarterback in 2022 class?

Ohio State had the No. 1 quarterback in the country from the class of 2022. But Quinn Ewers reclassified, enrolled early, and left he Buckeyes without a signal-caller in their next recruiting class.

Is an in-state star the next logical player to call to fill that void? Lettermen Row’s Birm has more:

The goal for Ohio State has been to sign a big-time quarterback in the Class of 2022. Then the Buckeyes could focus regionally in 2023 before turning to a national search again in the Class of 2024. The reclassification of Quinn Ewers puts a damper on that only if another 2022 can’t be located.

Drew Allar is easily locatable for the Buckeyes.

READ: Latest on Ohio State pursuit of quarterback Drew Allar

Weekend Kickoff presented by Bryant Heating and Cooling Systems

Lettermen Row Weekend Kickoff presented by Bryant Heating & Cooling Systems: The Whatever It Takes Pregame Show is back for a second season!

The Lettermen Row crew will be live from Urban Meyer’s Pint House in Dublin’s Bridge Park on Tuesday night for a full preview of the Buckeyes regular-season opener against Minnesota and the entire season.

The next edition of the show will be Tuesday, Aug. 31 at 7 p.m., and there will be plenty of Ohio State guests on hand to break down the Ohio State pursuit of a national title. Come out to see Bobby Carpenter, Zach Boren, Cardale Jones, Tyvis Powell and other former Buckeyes greats give their insight about the upcoming season and give predictions about the road trip to Minnesota.

Get set with the panel of former Buckeyes with analysis, stories, delicious food from Urban Meyer’s Pint House in Dublin and some cold Coors Light. Don’t miss the next show Tuesday at 7 p.m.

Lettermen Row Weekend Kickoff presented by Bryant Heating & Cooling Systems: The Whatever It Takes Pregame Show is proudly sponsored by Coors Light and Byers Auto!

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