Bo Jackson doesn’t seem to care how many running backs Ohio State takes in its 2025 recruiting class.
Jackson, rated as a four-star prospect, was the first running back to commit to the Buckeyes in the class. He was the first running back to commit to Carlos Locklyn after he was hired to replace now-Michigan running backs coach Tony Alford.
Since Jackson’s commitment June 4, Ohio State added another running back in Philadelphia three-star Isaiah West. And throughout June, rumors swirled that the Buckeyes could be in the market for a third running back in the class.
A three-back recruiting class is not the norm. Ohio State hasn’t had one since 2018 with Jaelen Gill, Brian Snead and Master Teague. But it became a real possibility in 2025, something Jackson wasn’t fazed by.
“I’m not worried about that,” Jackson said of a potential three-running back class. “I’m here. I’m staying.”
That running back who was tied to the third spot in the class – four-star Jordon Davison – committed to Oregon on Friday, choosing the Ducks over Alabama, Michigan and Ohio State. Davison was Ohio State’s first running back offer for the class, one he secured more than two years before his commitment.
But even with two backs committed in 2025, Locklyn has not solved the depth problem he inherited from Alford.
Does Ohio State running back room have a depth problem?
Ohio State’s running backs room does not seem to have a talent problem. Jackson joins the class as the No. 81 prospect in the country and had the attention of Alabama and Georgia. West joins as a fast-rising three-star who should see a ratings bump during his senior season at St. Joseph’s Preparatory School.
And Ohio State’s running backs room does not seem to have a problem ahead of the 2024 season. The duo of Quinshon Judkins and TreVeyon Henderson headline a room many consider to be the best in college football.
For Ohio State, a potential problem could rear its head as soon as the final snap of the 2024 season is taken.
After 2024, Henderson will have exhausted his collegiate eligibility and Judkins will earn his NFL draft eligibility. If both running backs leave, Ohio State would be left with two scholarship running backs in James Peoples and Sam Williams-Dixon, who will be freshmen in 2024.
Ohio State struck out on each of its nine running back offers in 2023, including Mark Fletcher, who originally committed to the Buckeyes but signed with Miami. The Buckeyes also lost Dallan Hayden during the 2024 offseason to Colorado via the transfer portal.
Heading into 2025, Ohio State could very well have two sophomore running backs without much experience, and two true freshmen carrying the load for a position that has historically been vital to offensive coordinator Chip Kelly’s scheme.
What’s next for Ohio State’s 2025 running back room?
Ohio State’s potential additions at running back in the 2025 class are dwindling.
Of the offers Locklyn has extended since his hire, one remains uncommitted: Shekai Mills-Knight, the No. 442 prospect in the 2025 class out of the Baylor School in Chattanooga, Tennessee. But Mills-Knight did not have an Ohio State official visit in June.
T.C. Caffey, a 2022 Ohio State walk-on who had 10 carries as a freshman but missed 2023 with a knee injury, could be a depth option for the Buckeyes in both 2024 and 2025.
Ohio State has a history of playing true freshmen at running back, such as J.K. Dobbins and Henderson.
But a starter is not what Locklyn needs. He just needs bodies ahead of the 2025 season, one an addition of a third running back in the recruiting class could provide.
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Source link : https://www.dispatch.com/story/sports/college/football/2024/06/28/ohio-state-football-recruiting-does-osu-need-3-2025-running-backs-carlos-locklyn/74232047007/
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Publish date : 2024-06-28 15:20:39
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