How a New Assistant Can Help Ohio State Football’s Rushing Attack in a Transitional Phase

How a New Assistant Can Help Ohio State Football’s Rushing Attack in a Transitional Phase

 

Columbus, OH – The Ohio State football team is entering a transitional phase on offense, particularly in the rushing attack. With the departure of running backs coach Tony Alford, who left to become the head coach at Wyoming, the Buckeyes are looking to a new assistant coach to help revamp their ground game.

 

Enter Keenan Bailey, a veteran running backs coach who was hired by Ohio State head coach Ryan Day in February. Bailey comes to Columbus after spending the past three seasons as the running backs coach at Minnesota, where he helped the Golden Gophers develop one of the top rushing attacks in the Big Ten.

 

Bailey’s arrival couldn’t come at a better time for the Buckeyes, who are looking to replace the production of running back TreVeyon Henderson, who departed for the NFL after a standout sophomore season. Ohio State also lost its top two running backs from last season, with Henderson and Miyan Williams combining for over 1,500 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns.

 

Despite the losses, Bailey is confident that the Buckeyes have the talent and depth to develop a strong rushing attack. He’s been impressed with the team’s returning running backs, including Chip Trayanum and Evan Pryor, and believes that they have the potential to be impact players in the Big Ten.

 

“I think we’ve got a great group of running backs,” Bailey said. “They’re all talented, they’re all hungry, and they’re all eager to learn. I’m excited to work with them and help them develop into the best players they can be.”

 

Bailey’s coaching philosophy is centered around developing a physical, downhill running style that emphasizes toughness and discipline. He believes that the key to a successful rushing attack is to establish a strong running game between the tackles, and to use the perimeter game as a complement to the inside running game.

 

“I think the key to a successful rushing attack is to be physical and to be able to run the ball between the tackles,” Bailey said. “You’ve got to be able to establish a strong running game inside, and then use the perimeter game to complement that. If you can do that, you can be a very effective running team.”

 

Bailey’s approach is music to the ears of Ohio State’s offensive line, which is looking to bounce back from a subpar season in 2022. The Buckeyes’ O-line struggled to establish a consistent running game last season, and Bailey’s emphasis on physicality and discipline is seen as a key to unlocking the unit’s potential.

 

“I think Coach Bailey’s approach is exactly what we need,” said Ohio State center Luke Wypler. “We’ve got to be more physical and more disciplined up front if we want to establish a strong running game. Coach Bailey’s emphasis on those things is going to help us take our game to the next level.”

 

Overall, Bailey’s arrival is seen as a major boost to Ohio State’s rushing attack, which is looking to rebound from a subpar season in 2022. With his emphasis on physicality, discipline, and toughness, Bailey is confident that the Buckeyes can develop a strong ground game that will help them compete for a Big Ten championship.