For someone who stands 6’1” and 235 lbs., Chris “Beanie” Wells rushes with the speed of a 100-meter sprinter and the finesse of a rhythm gymnast. He’s able to see the tiniest of pockets in a defensive line, or seems to have a sixth sense for where they’ll open up. After using this intuition to map his route, he exploits his opposition’s vulnerability like no other. He spins out of tackles using his craftiness, burrows through them with his strength, and gathers extra yardage with his exceptional speed.
Wells once told his father that he wanted to be the first freshman to win the Heisman Trophy. Though this did not come true, Wells was a true freshman in his first year at Ohio State, playing in all 13 games. Even though he was just one player on a talented offense, Wells still finished second on the team in rushing with 576 yards on 104 carries.
By his second year, the spotlight was officially on Wells, and he was voted Most Valuable Player by his teammates. Wells rushed for 1,609 yards and 15 touchdowns, which ranked him fourth among all-time OSU single-season running backs and first among sophomore rushers.
But a memorable 38-24 loss to LSU in the 2008 BCS title game still haunts Wells and the Ohio State campus. In his third (and likely final) college season, Wells is projected by many to win the Heisman. Along with quarterback Todd Boeckman and an outstanding defense, Wells is expected to lead the Buckeyes to yet another BCS national championship.
An Ohio boy through and through, Wells was raised by his parents in Akron, Ohio along with his ten siblings. Ohio State was always the first choice for Wells, who was scouted by many prestigious schools after his time at Akron Garfield High School. It’s only been two years at OSU, but former Buckeye and two-time Heisman Trophy Winner Archie Griffin is already comparing “Beanie” to Jim Brown.
Obviously, this young man has boundless potential. If he can get over his nagging ankle and wrist injuries, he’ll likely fulfill it.
Wells on the Web
Ohio State Buckeyes: Official player page for Wells
Find career stats, highlights and a bio on Wells at OSU’s official player page.
ESPN.com player profile page for Wells
Find game by game stats, scores and a small bio on Wells at ESPN.com.
Rotoworld player page for Wells
Check out all the latest player news on Wells at Rotoworld.com.
The best Chris Wells fansite
A fansite dedicated to Chris “Beanie” Wells.
Latest on Wells
Wells will return for his junior year at Ohio State. Based off his phenomenal sophomore year— rushing for 1,609 yards and 15 touchdowns—he is a likely candidate to win this year’s Heisman Trophy.
News and Commentary
Sports Illustrated.com: 2008 Heisman candidate breakdown
SI.com expects Wells to be among one of the leading vote-getters for the Heisman in 2008.
Is Wells the next Jim Brown?
The Cleveland Plain-Dealer discusses whether or not Wells is the next Jim Brown, a legendary runner for the Browns.
Beanie says ankle injury nothing to worry about
Even though Wells is expected to compete for the Heisman Trophy in 2008, he does have a history of injuries.
Wells Says
On his nickname
“I got the nickname because when I was a baby, I came out and my big brother said I had a bean head.”
On Americans being fed up with Ohio State
“We don’t have to prove ourselves to anyone. We just go out there, play our game, and move on.”
On Archie Griffin comparing him to Jim Brown
“It’s just incredible to even be mentioned in the same sentence as Jim Brown, let alone have Archie Griffin, a two-time Heisman Trophy winner, say it.”
On how often he thinks about winning the Heisman
“All the time.”
“If we would lose that game, we would get stuff talked on us,” Pryor said, “but if USC loses, they don’t get stuff talked on them.”
