Transfer Spotlight – Ohio State RB Trey Sermon
At CFB Saturdays we recognize that the landscape is always changing in College Football and the undeniable impact transfers have had on our beloved sport in recent history. Transfers have gone on to make College Football Playoff runs, win the Heisman, the National Championship, and become top NFL Draft Picks (Joe Burrow recently accomplished all of the above). Over the next few days, we will take a look at the potential impact of top Transfers in 2020 in our Transfer Spotlight Series. Today we take a look at Ohio State RB Trey Sermon who is currently ranked 9th in our 2020 Top 25 RB Rankings.
How it Ended in Norman
Trey Sermon began his junior year as a seasoned veteran with plenty of ability. In 2018, Sermon received the most carries of any Sooner (164) and rushed for 947 yards and 13 TDs. Although Sermon was not the leading rusher for the team, that honor belonged to true freshmen Kennedy Brooks (1,056 yards), it was expected that he would receive plenty of touches in 2019.
That did not happen. Sermon only received 51 touches over the first five games and 11 over his next four. Sermon played in 10 games and received touches in only eight of them. Injuries limited his contributions and a later knee injury ended his season. With Kennedy Brooks performing at a high level it became clear that Sermon’s touches would remain limited in 2020.
The Move to Ohio State RB
Trey Sermon announced he would be joining the Buckeyes in March. This was an important addition for head coach Ryan Day as the Buckeyes had just lost superstar 2,000 yard rusher J.K. Dobbins to the NFL draft. The only returning players at the position are redshirt sophomore Master Teague (789 yards, 5.84 per carry), sophomore Marcus Crowley, and sophomore Steele Chambers. Teague showed encouraging production but struggled in his last two games of the season (19 car for 38 yards v. Michigan & Clemson). During spring practice Teague suffered an achilles injury and it is unknown if he will be available this fall. Making matters worse, Crowley is returning from a knee injury and also had his arm in a sling in January. Chambers was a four star recruit who only played in mop-up duty in 2019.
It is clear that there is plenty of playing time available for Sermon. Couple that with an offensive head coach in Day, and another respected offensive mind in OC Kevin Wilson, and there is a lot for Sermon to like in Columbus.
Sermon Brings Versatility to Columbus
Trey Sermon will add a versatile element to the Buckeye backfield next season. The new Ohio State RB has a solid frame (6’0” 221) and has produced as a rusher and as a pass catcher. Don’t be fooled by the modest reception totals (36 career rec) as injuries and Oklahoma’s distribution of touches to several different weapons affect those totals. Sermon has shown the ability to maximize those touches since his freshmen season averaging 6.15, 5.77, and 7.13 per carry in each season.
Sermon runs with good vision and displays the patience to set up blocks and explode through a crease. With very good balance and lateral quickness, he is able to make defenders miss and overpower smaller defenders.
Sermon’s game is not without limitation. Sermon does not possess great breakaway speed, although he is fast enough to break long runs. Similarly, he lacks an elite burst through the initial line of defenders and tends to gear down more than you would like when cutting laterally. The biggest concern is whether he will fully recover from injuries suffered this past season. The Buckeyes will be utilizing him often, and he will need to be fully recovered to handle the load.
The Missing Piece to an Elite Offense
The biggest question for the Buckeye offense was at the RB position. With Sermon in the fold the team adds a player with big game experience. This will allow youngsters Teague, Crowley, and Steele to supplement Sermon’s production and instantly bolster the depth at the position.
There are few other concerns on offense. Heisman candidate Justin Fields (#2 in our QB rankings) returns in his second year as the starting QB. Fields’ ability to keep defenses honest in zone read situations contributed to Dobbins’ phenomenal season and will benefit Sermon as well.
The offensive line returns three starters in LT Thayer Munford, C Josh Myers, and RG Wyatt Davis. With three former five stars competing for the remaining two starting spots (Harry Miller, Nicholas Petit-Friere, and Paris Johnson Jr.) the unit should be able to open plenty of rushing lanes for the backs.
Returning star WR Chris Olave (#7 in our WR Rankings) will only get better in his junior season and freshmen WR Garrett Wilson (#15 in our WR Rankings) will quickly gain national recognition. The weapons on the outside will prevent defenses from keying in on the run and put an enormous amount of pressure on opposing defenses.
This offense was already scary good and Trey Sermon provides a final exclamation point. With elite talent surrounding him at all levels look for the new Ohio State RB to have a strong season and for the Ohio State offensive machine to keep rolling.
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