Indiana RB Situation: Lee Beebe Jr. a Game-Time Decision as Henry Ohlinger Works at Running Back
PISCATAWAY, N.J. — Indiana’s running back situation remains fluid right up to kickoff against Rutgers, and the Hoosiers may be reaching deeper into their roster than anyone anticipated.
Lee Beebe Jr. and Turbo Richard were both going through pregame drills Saturday night at SHI Stadium, an encouraging sight for an Indiana backfield that has dealt with injuries throughout the week.
Beebe remains a game-time decision, making his work during pregame particularly important. Richard also going through drills gives Indiana another option, but the Hoosiers appear to be preparing for every possible scenario before kickoff.
Henry Ohlinger Working With the Running Backs
Perhaps the most intriguing development came from a player who isn’t listed as a running back on Indiana’s roster.
Freshman linebacker Henry Ohlinger was working with the running backs during pregame drills.
That may look like an emergency move, but carrying the football is nothing new for Ohlinger.
Ohlinger Was a Standout High School Running Back
The 6-foot-1, 226-pound freshman was a two-way standout at Grandview Heights High School in Ohio. According to his Indiana roster biography, Ohlinger rushed for 1,582 yards and 27 touchdowns as a junior, producing seven 100-yard rushing games. As a sophomore, he ran for 1,322 yards and 16 touchdowns with eight 100-yard performances.
That’s 2,904 rushing yards and 43 touchdowns across those two high school seasons.
Indiana brought Ohlinger to Bloomington as a linebacker, but his high school résumé makes him a logical emergency option if the Hoosiers need additional help in the backfield tonight.
Indiana Preparing for Every Scenario
The key remains Beebe. Going through drills doesn’t guarantee that he will play or be capable of handling a normal workload. With his status coming down to a game-time decision, Indiana’s staff will evaluate how he responds before determining his role against Rutgers.
That’s what makes Ohlinger’s appearance with the running backs noteworthy. It could simply be Indiana preparing an emergency option. It could also be an indication that the Hoosiers are ready to use every available athlete if their running back depth is tested.
Either way, the Hoosiers have another intriguing “Next Man Up” possibility — and this one happens to be a linebacker who was once a highly productive high school running back.
Keep an eye on No. 23 tonight.
