Weber thought about leaving Ohio State after last season

A reduced role forced standout running back Mike Weber to consider leaving Ohio State at the end of 2017.

"It was really 50-50," Weber said, courtesy Derek Webb of Eleven Warriors. "I was thinking of the reasons why I should leave and thinking about why I should stay and I just felt like there was more reasons for me to stay than to leave."

As a redshirt sophomore last year, Weber could've applied to the NFL for early draft eligibility, or transferred to another school.

The junior emerged as the featured back in 2016 after Ezekiel Elliott's departure, but an injury limited his role early last year. By the time he was fully healthy, freshman sensation J.K. Dobbins had passed him on the depth chart.

"I feel like the conversation I had with coach (Urban) Meyer, that made me feel comfortable to make my decision to come back, and so far it's a good decision," he said.

Weber exploded for 186 yards and three touchdowns Saturday in Ohio State's season-opening victory over Oregon State, putting him in the driver's seat to be the Buckeyes' top tailback going forward.