Ohio State Football: Jordan Hall and 4 Best Performers for Buckeyes in 2011

After a turmoil filled offseason, the 2011 Ohio State Buckeyes were looking to put their controversial issues behind them with good play on the field.

Here is a quick look at the four Buckeyes that have been the best performers for the team so far in the young 2011 season.

There have not been many standout stars for the Buckeyes this season, but these four players demonstrate that the team still has a lot of talent.

RB Jordan Hall

Running back and return man Jordan Hall has easily been the most explosive and dynamic player for the Buckeyes this season, despite a suspension that kept him out for the first two games.

Even after missing those games, Hall is second on the team with 32 carries for 171 yards. That comes out to a 5.3 yard-per-carry average. Hall has shown great burst through the hole at times and has also displayed great patience in letting runs develop.

Hall is also a dynamic kick returner. Hall has returned five punts this season for 44 total yards and a long of 27 yards. He has also returned two kickoffs for a total of 135 yards, with a long of 90. Although he doesn't have a return touchdown, the field position he gives his team greatly increases their chances of scoring.

Hall is one of the most exciting players to watch this season for the Buckeyes.

TE Jake Stoneburner

Although he doesn't have a catch in the past two games, tight end Jake Stoneburner still leads the team in receptions and is second in receiving yards with 93. He also leads the entire team in touchdowns with four.

Stoneburner can be a match-up nightmare for opposing teams because of his impressive physical skills. He has shown that he is capable of making big plays and coming down with the ball.

The Buckeyes should look to get Stoneburner the ball more in the coming weeks, especially as they start allowing freshman QB Braxton Miller to throw the ball more.

RB Carlos Hyde

Despite fellow running back Jordan Hall eating into some of his carries, bruising tailback Carlos Hyde leads the Buckeyes in most rushing categories.

He has carried the ball 57 times for a total of 263 yards. He has a 4.6 yard-per-carry average and also has three rushing touchdowns.

Hyde is a strong runner who can break tackles, but he also has the speed to pull away in the secondary. He is a reliable player that holds on to the football. Hyde will likely continue to split carries with Hall, but he has shown that he is capable of being the starting running back for the Buckeyes.

DT John Simon

Defensive tackle John Simon has been one of the best performers on defense for the Buckeyes this season. He has been able to get constant pressure on opposing quarterbacks and rarely misses a tackle.

So far this season, Simon has accumulated 11 tackles and one sack. Those might not seem like the greatest numbers, but Simon's presence on defense really affects the game.

His pressure on the QB forces poor throws and rushed plays and, when he is double teamed by the opposition, he allows his teammates to make big plays.

Simon has been a constant force to be reckoned with on the Buckeyes' defense in 2011.