Despite having not started a college football game, Ohio State sophomore quarterback Justin Fields made the Maxwell Award watch list along with junior running back J.K. Dobbins.
The Maxwell Award is presented annually to the best all-around college football player, determined by a panel of sportscasters, sportswriters, NCAA head coaches and the membership of the Maxwell Football Club.
Dobbins made the watch list last season following a standout freshman season, where he rushed for 1,403 yards and seven touchdowns and added 22 receptions for 135 yards and one receiving score.
During quarterback Dwayne Haskins record-setting season, Dobbins took a backseat to the Ohio State passing attack. The La Grange, Texas, native said he “regressed,” trying to break off big runs instead of taking sure yardage.
The talented tailback still gained 1,053 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns, becoming the first Buckeye ever to rush for more than 1,000 yards in his first two seasons. Dobbins also hauled in 26 catches for 263 yards and two touchdowns through the air.
With Dwayne Haskins in the NFL following his historic sophomore season, where he passed for 4,831 yards and 50 touchdowns, the Buckeyes turn to Fields as their signal caller, a Georgia transfer.
Fields backed up Jake Fromm at Georgia and comes to Ohio State without much experience, but he does not join the Scarlet and Gray without high expectations.
Fields is the highest-rated prospect to ever play for Ohio State. That fact, along with the success of Haskins and J.T. Barrett before him in the prolific offense coached by Ryan Day and Kevin Wilson, helped give Fields a spot on the preseason watch list.
Former Buckeyes who won the prestigious Maxwell Award include Eddie George (1995), Archie Griffin (1975), Bob Ferguson (1961) and Howard “Hopalong” Cassady (1955).
Dobbins will strive to become the fifth Ohio State running back to earn the elite honor, while Fields will look to become the first Buckeye quarterback.
