Ohio State sophomore playmaker named an under-the-radar player to watch and it couldn’t be more clear why
The Ohio State Buckeyes had a dominant ground game last season — one of the best they’ve had in quite some time. TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins formed a terrific one-two punch, and both ended up being second-round NFL Draft picks. Now, the Buckeyes have to turn the page. It’s next man up in Columbus. […]
The Ohio State Buckeyes had a dominant ground game last season — one of the best they’ve had in quite some time. TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins formed a terrific one-two punch, and both ended up being second-round NFL Draft picks.
Now, the Buckeyes have to turn the page. It’s next man up in Columbus. Ohio State’s running game has traditionally been a strength, and it may be time for the next star to emerge at the position.
Ohio State breakout candidate at running back named an under-the-radar player to watch
James Peoples is in line to have a big season for the Buckeyes as the team’s No. 1 running back. All signs point to the sophomore taking over as the lead back for offensive coordinator Brian Hartline. Peoples was recently named an under-the-radar player to watch by 247Sports.
“Compact, explosive runner with a thick lower body and has really good short-area burst,” a source told 247Sports.
Peoples rushed for 197 yards in limited action as the No. 3 back last season. The former four-star recruit did not redshirt and now finds himself in a position to potentially be a three-and-done player in Columbus if things go according to plan. Ohio State added West Virginia transfer C.J. Donaldson, who is expected to be the No. 2 back.
Freshman Bo Jackson and second-year running back Sam Williams-Dixon should compete for the No. 3 spot — a role that could be more significant this year, given the lack of two proven veterans like last season.
Peoples and the Buckeyes open the season with a tough test against Texas, where they’ll need to be firing on all cylinders. That will almost certainly include running the football effectively against a talented Longhorns defense.