Ohio State running back J.K. Dobbins had arguably the best single-season at the running back position in program history. He set the single-season rushing record, had several explosive plays, and showed out against the best teams all year long.
But it’s one game in particular that Dobbins can’t let go. Ohio State made the College Football Playoff and got a shot at Clemson. Despite outgaining and outplaying the Tigers for large portions of the game, the Buckeyes ended up just short of winning the game thanks to some bad breaks, controversial officiating, and an inability to take advantage of their opportunities in the red zone.
But there was also something else. Dobbins experienced an ankle injury in the game and spent most of the second half either on the sideline getting treatment or hobbling about on the field less than 100 percent. When speaking at the NFL Combine Wednesday, the OSU running back didn’t pull any punches.
“We definitely win that game,” Dobbins said when appearing before the media…” “I thought we were the better team, we just didn’t execute like we should have.”
Former OSU RB J.K. Dobbins said at the NFL Combine that "we definitely [beat Clemson]" if he didn't get hurt during the Fiesta Bowl. "I thought we were the better team. We just didn't execute like we should have."
Do you agree or disagree? ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/mfi40Ea6xq
— CFB Kings (@CFBKings) February 26, 2020
But don’t take that as a slight to Clemson, or sour grapes. If you know anything about Dobbins, he is a very humble, yet confident guy. He knows his talents and has confidence in his abilities. He was asked about just how much that high ankle sprain affected his play.
“It definitely affected me a lot,” said Dobbins. “It was a significant injury. It was a very high ankle sprain. It was definitely tough to even go back and battle through it. It hurt a lot, definitely. But I just wanted to win the game for my team and tried to get to the national championship.”
Now Dobbins is back and he’s hoping to go in the first round. He has all the ability in the world, but it’s no longer a running back’s league. Something tells me whichever team gets him — whether in the late first round or somewhere in the second, they’ll be getting a steal.
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