Former Ohio State star sees NFL career resurrected in Week 1 breakout

It's been a tough road for new Los Angeles Rams running back J.K. Dobbins. The former Ohio State star was once a Heisman Trophy finalist, and his NFL career started with a bang as he played well with the Baltimore Ravens. But a torn ACL and Achilles over the last three years had his career on life support.

The Chargers, who hired former Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh, signed Dobbins to a prove-it deal this offseason. Dobbins turned back the clock in his debut with the team, totaling 135 rushing yards and one touchdown on 10 carries.

That includes a 61-yard score where Dobbins darted to the blitz's left and sprinted to the end zone. The Chargers ended up winning in the first game with Dobbins and Harbaugh, 22-10, against the Las Vegas Raiders.

J.K. Dobbins' Career at Ohio State

At Ohio State, Dobbins played from 2017 to 2019, where he quickly emerged as one of the premier running backs in college football. His freshman season was impressive, with 1,403 rushing yards and seven touchdowns, showcasing his ability to excel at the collegiate level.

In his sophomore year, Dobbins continued to build on his success, amassing 1,535 rushing yards and 19 touchdowns. His performance was instrumental in Ohio State's strong season, culminating in a trip to the Rose Bowl. Dobbins' vision, quick acceleration, and powerful running style made him a key player in the Buckeyes’ offense.

Dobbins' junior year was particularly noteworthy. He had a breakout season, rushing for 2,003 yards and 21 touchdowns, becoming the second player in Ohio State history to rush for over 2,000 yards in a single season.

His exceptional performance earned him All-American honors and cemented his status as one of the top running backs available for the NFL Draft.

In the 2020 NFL Draft, Dobbins was selected by the Baltimore Ravens in the second round. His rookie season showed promise, as he rushed for 805 yards and nine touchdowns, demonstrating his potential to be a key player in the Ravens' offense.