Ohio State coach sends firm message to his position group including an expected starter who could be a breakout star
The Ohio State Buckeyes are going to have a lot of new at running back and they’ll have to prove themselves.
The Ohio State Buckeyes have a lot of production to replace when they take the field in Week 1 against the Texas Longhorns.
The running game, in particular, will look quite different. Ohio State lost both Quinshon Judkins and TreVeyon Henderson to the NFL, but they appear poised to have another potential two-headed horse in the backfield.
While the new faces may not be household names yet—mainly because they’re not entering the season with multiple 1,000-yard seasons—James Peoples and C.J. Donaldson are expected to lead the running back room this year for the Buckeyes. Still, running backs coach Carlos Locklyn is keeping the competition wide open and the group hungry.
“Everybody keeps saying it’s two different guys, but it’s six guys. You better compete every day,” Locklyn said on Friday. “You keep saying it’s two different guys, but ain’t nobody in that room right. They ain’t done a damn thing here yet. They need to come out like, ‘I got to compete. I got to come out to work every day. Because ain’t nothing going to be given.’”
Locklyn had a successful first year as Ohio State’s running backs coach after coming over from Oregon, with both Judkins and Henderson rushing for over 1,000 yards. His next challenge is to develop his own recruits and establish new stars in the backfield.
True freshman Bo Jackson has already impressed in camp and could see the field early. Other freshmen include Isaiah West and Turbo Rodgers, who appear to be longer-term developmental players. Jackson, however, could emerge as the third option this season. Sophomore Sam Williams-Dixon rounds out the group, giving the Buckeyes six scholarship running backs.
“If all six are good, all six will play. Because if they’re good enough, they’re what? They’re old enough. You put them on the field,” Locklyn said.
Donaldson brings much-needed experience, having rushed for over 730 yards in each of the last three seasons at West Virginia, including 526 yards as a freshman. Peoples, who served as the Buckeyes’ third back last year as a true freshman, finished with 197 yards on 49 carries.
Locklyn’s energetic and demanding coaching style has been a welcome addition in Columbus. His presence has made it easy for players to buy in—and by season’s end, the Buckeyes may have yet another household name at running back under his development.
Ohio State Buckeyes News
‘He’s advanced’ – Ohio State breakout candidate gives glowing review of freshman who is set to play against Arch Manning and Texas
The Ohio State Buckeyes may have found their next silver bullet for their defense.
