BREAK: Ohio State Five-Star Transfer At New Position
The Ohio State Buckeyes boast one of the nation’s top running back tandems with TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins, and their lineup might become even more formidable by the start of the regular season.
Head coach Ryan Day revealed that OSU is considering testing five-star safety Caleb Downs, the highest-ranked player in the 2024 transfer portal, at running back next season.
Although this move may seem unexpected, Downs was a standout running back at Mill Creek High School in Georgia, averaging 6.8 yards per carry with 389 rushing yards and 20 touchdowns as a senior in 2022. His high school career totals include 102 carries, 648 yards, and 27 touchdowns.
“During the recruiting process, we discussed the possibility of him playing some running back,” Day told reporters. “It’s something he wanted to do. We’ve included him in some meetings and individual drills as a potential option to build depth at that position. Where this goes, I’m not sure yet, but he certainly has the athleticism to do it.”
The Buckeyes’ primary depth chart features Judkins, who ran for 1,158 yards and 15 touchdowns last season at Ole Miss, and Henderson, who had 926 yards and 11 touchdowns. However, beyond this duo, the depth is limited. OSU has Evan Pryor, Dallan Hayden, James Peoples, Sam Williams-Dixon, TC Caffey, and Will Hartson, but they have minimal or no NCAA experience, which might create an opportunity for Downs to take some snaps in the backfield.
“I know he has the ability and athleticism to do it,” Day added. “We’ll see how he performs and possibly give him some carries in the preseason.”