Ohio State running back Carlos Hyde carried the ball only three times for eight yards against Illinois in 2011, and afterward, expressed his frustration with the lack of playing time, tweeting, "Guess I'm not good enough. Take myself elsewhere."
One year later, his role and perception on the team has certainly changed.
Hyde rushed 18 times for 137 yards and three touchdowns in Saturday's victory over Illinois. He has now carried the ball at least 18 times in the past five games for Ohio State, scoring 11 touchdowns and rushing for more than 100 yards three times in that span.
Perhaps in part due to Hyde's tweet, Urban Meyer began his Ohio State tenure having a negative perception of the bruising running back, according to Doug Lesmerises of the Plain Dealer.
"He was kind of a guy that didn't have a great reputation," Meyer said. "I'd say our first month was not pleasant. He's a genuine guy. I've actually grown to appreciate who he is as a person. I think the perception on him was incorrect."
Meyer admits that he and Hyde have clashed at times, especially in their first month together. But now, Hyde has become the primary rusher in a reliable backfield. What a difference one year makes.