The Ohio State positional breakdown continues with only nine days left until the massive matchup in Columbus. This time around it’s a position room that will look completely different than a year ago, which will be a theme for this roster. Now, before Texas fans get too excited, that doesn’t mean the running backs Ohio State has out there in nine days aren’t incredible players.
There will be two players leading the way for Ohio State at this spot, much like last year. James Peoples is likely the “RB1,” although I see it being a relatively even split between him and CJ Donaldson. Peoples only say 49 carries for 197 yards a year ago, because of the presence of Treyveon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins, but the talent is clear. Smaller back at 5 ’10”, but at 206 lbs, he has plenty of physicality to his game.
CJ Donaldson is more of the “bruiser” that Quinson Judkins was a year ago. Donaldson might be a familiar name for Longhorn fans, because he made his way over from West Virginia when Neal Brown was let go. He’s coming off a 734 yard, 11 TD year for the Mountaineers, this is a guy that can carry a load if needed. He only played Texas once in his career, in 2022, and went down early in that one, but he has blossomed the last two years in Morgantown.
Behind those two, they have really talented, but inexperienced options. Sam Dixon and Bo Jackson are the two names that are unlikely to factor in too much against Texas in nine days, but are names to watch for the Buckeyes throughout the year. Dixon has only toted the ball seven times a year ago and Jackson is a true freshman coming in, so they are taking a backseat right now, but are talented backend options.
This group is filled with players that are new to major roles on the Ohio State football team. CJ Donaldson is the only one that has had a major role on any CFB team in their career. There is youth and inexperience, but the talent is incredible. James Peoples is a player I think could reach the level Treyveon Henderson did during his Ohio State career. CJ Donaldson is the perfect fit to place next to Peoples in that back field, and they have two talented, “break glass in case of emergency” backs.
This will be a good group. I have very few doubts about that. We will see how quickly they can hit the ground running, but Texas should and will be ready for a potent rushing attack with high ceiling players. Tomorrow, we will get into the group that will define if these running backs reach their ceiling. The Ohio State offensive line lost two major starters from a year ago, but look to be set up for major success with a massive addition for a Texas school at LT.
This article originally appeared on Longhorns Wire: James Peoples, CJ Donaldson are the new two-headed monster at RB for Ohio State
Reporting by Tommy Bresee, Longhorns Wire / Longhorns Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
