One important game for Ohio State running back commit James Peoples
COLUMBUS — Ohio State is preparing for its own season to start as it’s going through its yearly preseason training camp.
The same goes for the Buckeyes’ commits, who were already entrenched with preseason activities before their future program started.
Lettermen Row is going to look at one important game for all 19 prospects in the 2024 class and for 2025 quarterback commit Tavien St. Clair, and 2026 wide receiver commit Chris Henry Jr.
We continue with the offense and head down to the Lone Star State for four-star San Antonio (Texas) Veterans Memorial running back James Peoples.
Right the Wrong
Veterans Memorial hasn’t won on its home turf in the regular season since mid-October of 2022. In week nine the Patriots lost their final home game of the season to district rival Tivy in a 35-31 score.
That’s why the Week Nine rematch on Oct. 27 will certainly have the attention of local outlets and definitely of Veterans Memorial.
Peoples had two touchdowns in the Patriots’ loss, showcasing his versatility as a running back. His first touchdown happened in the second quarter with the Patriots up 7-0 and eight minutes left. Peoples was lined up on the right of the quarterback in the shotgun and took the handoff and followed two lead blockers for a 34-yard touchdown.
His second touchdown had him lined up in the slot with an empty backfield formation. Peoples ran a wheel route as the X wide receiver cleared the coverage with a slant.
The brief hesitation in coverage allowed Peoples to pass the walked-up safety and he outran every defender for the 68-yard score.
Even with an impressive individual performance and a 10-point lead with six minutes left, Veterans Memorial couldn’t hold it together down the stretch.
Peoples and Patriots still made it to the playoffs where they won two games before a 66-42 loss in the third round.
Peoples rushed for 2,044 yards and scored 31 touchdowns last fall.
The 5-foot-10, 190-pound tailback committed to Ohio State in April. He is the No. 7 running back and No. 87 overall prospect in the On3 Industry Rankings.
