Dan Herron Daniel " Boom " Herron ( born March 21 , 1989 ) is an American football running back for the Cincinnati Bengals . Herron played football at Warren G . Harding High School in Warren , OH and The Ohio State University . Herron was recruited by Jim Tressel . Herron ' s dad is a bishop . His brother , David Herron is a NFL linebacker who played football for the Michigan State Spartans . He was drafted in the 6th round of the 2012 NFL draft by the Cincinnati Bengals . Early career . As he grew into upper class , Herron starred as the featured running back in high school for the Warren G . Harding Raiders . He amassed his best season as a Junior , rushing for over 1500 yards and 17 touchdowns . When asked what he thought of his player , then Harding coach Thom Mcdaniels replied , " I wouldn ’ t trade “ Boom ” for any running back in Ohio . “ Boom " is Danny Herron ’ s nick - name and that ’ s exactly how he runs the football . When Danny runs the ball , you ’ d better be prepared to hit and be hit . Danny is tough , he has the acceleration , the vision and speed to be an outstanding running back at the next level . I think the thing that sticks out to me the most is that Dan Herron isn ’ t a prima donna . Some kids are great on the field but not so great off the field because they read too many press clippings but Danny Herron is just the opposite . You won ’ t find a more humble young man . He ’ s been a joy to coach " . Coming out of high school he ran a 40 yard dash in the mid 4 . 5 ' s and boasted an impressive 37 inch vertical . Scout . com had him ranked as the 27th best backfield recruit in the country . College career . Herron spent five years at The Ohio State University . He was a four - time letterman . In 2008 he struggled to get playing time over future NFL back Beanie Wells and again in 2009 splitting time with Brandon Saine in an offense heavily centered around the running talents of quarterback Terrelle Pryor . In 2010 , Herron delivered as the starter , totaling 1155 yards and 16 touchdowns . Later that year , just a week before the team ' s appearance in their bowl game , it became eminent that Herron , amongst other top Buckeye players were facing substantial NCAA sanctions . Suspension . On December 23 , 2010 Herron and four other Ohio State players were suspended for the first five games of the 2011 season , but were still allowed to play in that year ' s Sugar Bowl , which they won 31 - 26 vs . Arkansas . Herron was said to have sold a jersey , pants , and shoes that he had previously worn in a game . The other suspended players were quarterback Terrelle Pryor , wide receiver DeVier Posey , offensive lineman Mike Adams , and defensive end Soloman Thomas . Jim Tressel resigned on May 30 , 2011 and Luke Fickell was named the interim head coach for the 2011 season . On October 3 , 2011 , in an unrelated story , Herron was suspended for one more week due to being overpaid during a summer job in the Cleveland area . Despite the six week suspension Dan Herron was elected a team captain by his teammates and went on to rush for 675 yards and three touchdowns the remainder of the season . Professional career . Cincinnati Bengals . Dan Herron signed a four - year deal through 2015 with the Cincinnati Bengals on May 23 , 2012 . On August 31 , 2012 , Herron was cut from the Cincinnati Bengals roster . On December 4 , 2012 Herron was recalled to the Bengals active roster after spending the first part of the season on the practice squad . On December 13 , 2012 Herron blocked a punt against the Philadelphia Eagles ; in the same game he had his first carry . He ended the game with 3 rushes for 8 yards .