49ers select Ohio State running back Trey Sermon in 3rd round of NFL Draft

Sermon had another impressive performance in the College Football Playoff semifinal win over Clemson running for nearly 200 yards and one touchdown while also catching four passes for 61 yards.

The University of Oklahoma grad transfer rushed for 2,076 and 23 touchdowns in three years with the Sooners but only put together 232 yards rushing in his first four game with the Buckeyes.

Sermon was put at a distinct disadvantage to start the season because he didn’t have the benefit of getting to participate in Spring practice or have a normal fall preseason due to the uncertainty of whether the season would even happen. Once it did, Sermon struggled to find his place splitting carries with Teague all the way up to the win over the Spartans where both backs played, but Sermon played better.

Sermon didn’t have a chance to show what he could do against Alabama in the National Championship after suffering a shoulder injury on the very first play. He was not able to return to the game.

At Ohio State’s Pro Day, Sermon said the injury has not affected him the past few months and that his shoulder is completely fine.

“I feel like it really wasn’t that significant of an injury to where there should be a concern,” Sermon said. “At the end of the day, all they have to do is click on the tape and see me playing at a high level, so I’m not worried about it at all.”

The Tampa, Florida native moved to Marietta, Georgia with his mother and sister where he played high school football not far from Justin Fields. The two attended the same camps during their recruitment process and their friendship helped pave the way for Sermon to come to Columbus.

Sermon is ranked as the sixth-best running back available, according to The Athletic’s Dane Brugler. His three-game streak of 636 rushing yards, 9.1 yards per carry, and four touchdowns shows Sermon’s capability.