Hyde's Ineligibility Will Test Buckeye RB Depth

One of the most promising recruits of the 2009 class, RB/FB Carlos Hyde from Florida won't be suiting up for the Buckeyes this season.

Hyde was unable to get a high enough ACT score to meet NCAA standards and the next opportunity to take the test is September 12, the day of the Ohio State-USC game.

The minimum score on the ACT is a 17, while Hyde's last test was only a 16. A transplant from Ohio, Hyde chose Ohio State over the big three Florida schools.

Hyde said that Tressel told him his spot would be held for him when he gets a high enough test score and can enroll in January 2010.

"I won't be on the field this season, but I still plan to get up to Ohio State," he said.

Hyde was ranked as the top fullback in the country in 2009, and many felt he could have playing time as a freshman in short-yardage situations.

He is the second back from the incoming freshmen class to have problems this summer.

Fellow RB Jamaal Berry recently had a misdemeanor charge of marijuana possession, but is in Columbus practicing and taking courses. Berry may start the year in the doghouse, but many feel he will still have some playing time behind upperclassmen Dan Herron and Brandon Saine.

RB Jordan Hall from Jeannette, PA, Terrelle Pryor's teammate in high school, is the only other RB in the 2009 class.

It's clear that Hyde's academic problems could test the depth of the RB corps, but there is no doubt that he will come to Columbus with a chip on his shoulder.

If the other aforementioned players stay healthy, depth might not be a huge problem.

But right now, it is a concern and these young men will be tested in a very big way early on in the season against the Trojans' defense.