Ohio State dismisses RB Bri'onte Dunn
Ohio State took a hit to its running back depth Monday night.
The program announced that senior Bri’onte Dunn has been dismissed from the program. A statement from head coach Urban Meyer said Dunn was booted for “a violation of team rules.”
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Dunn was entering his final season of eligibility with the Buckeyes. He was expected to be the elder statesman in a young running back room. Coming out of spring practice, the 6-foot, 215-pound Dunn was competing with touted redshirt freshman Mike Weber for the starting role.
In April, Meyer said Dunn and Weber were “neck and neck.”
“It’s Bri’onte and Mike fighting it out. Nobody is separating themselves yet,” Meyer said.
Dunn didn’t see much playing time during his four years with the program. His true freshman year in 2012 was his most productive when he gained 133 yards and touchdowns on 25 carries. After redshirting in 2013, Dunn combined for 154 yards and a score on 23 carries in 2014 and 2015.
Dunn has already graduated from Ohio State, so he could potentially land with another program this season with immediate eligibility. That would likely depend on the severity of the violation that resulted in his dismissal.
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Dunn, a native of Canton, Ohio, was a four-star recruit in the 2012 class.
With Dunn out of the picture, Weber, the top recruit from the state of Michigan in 2015, could be in line for a heavy workload. The Buckeyes also have true freshmen DeMario McCall and Antonio Williams. Versatile junior Curtis Samuel could see more time at running back, too.
For more Ohio State news, visit BuckeyeGrove.com.
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Sam Cooper is a writer for the Yahoo Sports blogs. Have a tip? Email him or follow him on Twitter!
