Ohio Football's Ezekiel Elliott An Instant Heisman Front-Runner

The Ohio State Buckeyes might be mired in a quarterback controversy heading into the 2015 season. The play of Cardale Jones since being inserted into the starting lineup for injured First-Team All-Big Ten performer J.T. Barrett has been stellar, surprising everyone except maybe the coaching staff of the scarlet and grey.

However, sophomore running back Ezekiel Elliott is the one stealing the show. He has been a monster in the Buckeyes’ backfield this season. After taking over for the departed Carlos Hyde as the starter, Elliott used his unique size and speed to account for 1402 yards rushing and 12 touchdowns during the regular season.

Elliott turned his motor up even more for the Buckeyes’ critical moments down the stretch. The 252-pound bulldozer ran for 220 yards and two touchdowns in the Buckeyes’ 59-0 romp of the Wisconsin Badgers in the Big Ten Championship game, overshadowing eventual Doak Walker award winner Melvin Gordon, who finished with just 76 yards on 26 carries.

In the Buckeyes’ marquee matchup win over the Alabama Crimson Tide, Elliott rushed for a Sugar bowl-record 230 yards and two scores. Elliott’s 85-yard touchdown run was the longest given up by the Crimson Tide all season. On the grand stage of the National Championship game, Elliott added the Oregon Ducks‘ defense to the latest steamroll victim on his list. In the Buckeyes’ 42-20 win, Elliott ran for 246 yards and four touchdowns en route to being named the Offensive Player of the Game.

Elliott’s play cemented him as an instant Heisman trophy favorite heading into next season, regardless of who is handing the ball off to him. He will prime Ohio State to defend its national crown.