The Bay Area has quietly been home to one of the top running backs in the nation over the past two years, and he goes by the name Jaydn Ott. Ott is etching his name among the greats that have ever put on a Cal uniform, and that is saying something with the prodigious history that they have there. He quietly had the seventh best season by a Cal running back ever, but not many people took notice. Ott’s record-breaking true sophomore campaign saw him break feats previously held by Marshawn Lynch, Shane Vereen, and Justin Forsett.
Running Back Has Record-Breaking Sophomore Season
Jaydn Ott had the seventh best rushing season ever by a Cal running back, rushing for 1,305 yards for the season. His true sophomore season ranks second only to Jahvid Best for most rushing yards by a sophomore in Berkeley history.
Ott put up these numbers even when defenses were keying on him, as he was the centerpiece of the entire offense. He also accomplished the feat without the protection of four or five stars scattered across the offensive line.
Cal finished the season with a 6-7 record, the reason this stellar season went unnoticed by many people around the country. But don’t expect Ott to creep in the shadows forever, as he is planning for an unthinkable 2024 season.
Jaydn Ott Planning On Making Run At Heisman Trophy In 2024
Jaydn Ott has been on record stating that he plans to do something that no other running back in Cal history has done, and that is lifting the Heisman Trophy at the end of the year. Jaydn Ott isn’t a front-runner to win the award in 2024, but is it too far fetched to believe he can make a run at it?
Ott doesn’t believe it is too crazy according to Jeff Faraudo, “Nah, it’s not a long shot.” He added, “That’s definitely in my head when I’m working out and I’m practicing. I just use it as extra motivation.”
A running back has not hoisted the Heisman Trophy since Derrick Henry did it in 2015. Ott believes there is more to add in 2024 in saying, “There was a lot that was left out there, on my behalf and on the team’s behalf.”
Ott Ranked 4th By PFF And 9th By ESPN
The trait that all the great running backs possess is that they always make the first man miss, and Jaydn Ott is no different. His canny athleticism which allows him to bounce off defenders with ease is a trait that cannot be taught.
He also has break-away speed in the open field, as you will not find him getting caught by a trailing defender. Pair that with the fact that he is much stronger than meets the eye, and there is no wonder he is in the discussion of top returning running backs.
Pff had this to say about Ott:
4. JAYDN OTT, CALIFORNIA GOLDEN BEARS
Similarly to Judkins, Ott dominated his first two seasons of college football. Since 2022, his 1,394 yards after contact and 108 forced missed tackles rank third among returning Power Five running backs while his 2,201 total rushing yards are fourth. He’s also proven to be a capable receiver out of the backfield with 517 receiving yards over the last couple years (sixth among Power Five running backs). Ott will be the driving force for California’s offense as it makes its way into the ACC.
ESPN’s Paolo Uggetti had a similar sentiment:
Perhaps it’s because he played for a team that went 6-7, but Ott was one of the most underrated running backs in the country last season. After a strong freshman year (897 yards, 8 touchdowns), Ott broke out in his second season at Cal. Ott averaged more than 18 carries per game and totaled 1,305 yards and 12 touchdowns.
Ott was undoubtedly the Golden Bears’ best player; in fact, four of Cal’s wins came when Ott had more than 150 rushing yards — a feat he accomplished five times during the 2023 season. Ott’s decision to come back to Berkeley for one more year is a boon for the Bears, who should improve on their 2023 campaign. Improvement isn’t always linear in college football, but after a productive sophomore season, the sky is the limit for Ott in his third season.
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