When it comes to the tailback position, Ohio State doesn’t rebuild, they simply reload. From Robert Smith to Raymont Harris to Eddie George the Buckeyes have enjoyed success on the ground in recent years. Now it is junior Pepe Pearson and freshman Michael Wiley garnering the spotlight.Pearson’s 167-yard rushing day against Illinois Saturday gave him 1,126 for the year, making him the 12th back in OSU history to gain more than 1,000 yards in a season. ‘Back in the spring, I said Pepe was a good running back and we thought he would gain 1,500 yards if he stayed healthy,’ OSU head coach John Cooper said. ‘Pepe hasn’t done anything to surprise me. He works hard and I think he has had a real good year for us.’Pearson said he feels he is on the road towards Cooper’s goal for him.’I really am not thinking about getting 1,500 yards,’ Pearson said. ‘I feel I’m on my way to 1,500 and hopefully I can please coach Cooper, as well as myself.’According to Pearson, a lot of the credit for his success this season goes to his offensive line. ‘I got 1,000 yards, but you have to give credit to the offensive line,’ Pearson said. ‘Those guys have been doing a great job and have been opening up big holes all year.’But Pearson wasn’t the only tailback to have success against the Illini. Wiley, who was converted in spring practice to receiver, racked up 88 yards on just 12 carries.’I mentioned to someone that we might have lost a receiver today and maybe gained another back,’ Cooper said. ‘We’ve got to get Michael Wiley on the field. He makes things happen and is a very exciting football player.’Wiley played tailback in high school but has played receiver most of the season. Now he could be heading back to his natural position.’I’m a running back,’ Wiley said. ‘I’m a natural because I’ve been playing tailback my whole life. They need a third right now and I’m looking to be their third tailback.’