Scarlet Sunrise: Ryan Day provides update on Buckeyes backfield, running backs coach search
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Ryan Day provides update on Buckeyes backfield, running backs coach search
Every day that TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins are on the field together in the Woody Hayes Athletic Center is a reminder that Ohio State could have the best running back tandem in the country this year.
Judkins turning a wheel route into a 60-yard touchdown reception from quarterback Will Howard went down as one of the top highlights during Student Appreciation Day.
But there’s more to the Buckeyes’ backfield than just Henderson and Judkins.
Ohio State head coach Ryan Day noted Henderson’s impressive leadership this offseason. He also said that Dallan Hayden, while currently third in line behind Henderson and Judkins, is having a “really good spring as well.” True freshmen James Peoples and Sam Williams-Dixon got some good run Saturday, too. Peoples is quick but also packs a punch at 5-foot-10, 203 pounds. Williams-Dixon is an asset in the passing game.
“I think all the running backs have run hard this spring,” Day said. “I think that they’re seeing a little bit of the different schemes that we’re doing — not that they’re that much different but just a little bit different. And they’re picking that up really well.”
Day added: “I think it’s a deep room. You know, I’d like to think it’s the best room in terms of talent in the country. And we’re going to continue to build on that. The other guy who has been very, very good in there that I think is going to play for us and get carries for us is TC Caffey. He’s done a very good job. He’s very disciplined in his approach. And he’s a guy that can really bring value for us.”
Caffey is a preferred walk-on who carried the ball 10 times for 66 yards and a touchdown as a true freshman in 2022 before tearing his ACL and missing the rest of that season.
A healthy and productive version of the Hubbard, Ohio, native makes the Buckeyes six deep at the position.
All they need is a coach to round out the room. Day and his staff have taken their time in hiring Tony Alford’s replacement after Alford left during spring break for the same job at Michigan.
“We’ve had some really good candidates. We’ve had some really good conversations,” Day said. “Just want to make sure we get the right person in place and definitely taking conversation and feedback from a lot of people in the program to make sure we have the right guy.
“I feel like we should have somebody in place here by next week.”
Unpacking observations from Student Appreciation Day
True freshman wideout Jeremiah Smith stole the show on Student Appreciation Day, but Lettermen Row took stock of more than just the first-year receiving stud.
We unpacked our notebook, complete with key observations from both sides of the ball: words on the blitzing success of linebacker C.J. Hicks, a sharp day from quarterback Devin Brown, the depth and strength of the Ohio State defensive line and a whole lot more.
Check it out here.
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Pair of Ohio State players shed black stripes
Two Ohio State players lost their black stripes on Student Appreciation Day: Kansas State grad transfer quarterback Will Howard and Alabama grad transfer center Seth McLaughlin.
Howard is competing for the starting quarterback job, and McLaughlin is competing for the starting center job. Both transferred in for those roles but face stiff competition in their respective position battles.
For more on Howard, go here.
For more on McLaughlin, go here.
Buckeyes receive two more 2025 commitments
Ohio State received two more 2025 commitments Saturday after four-star Bradenton (Fla.) IMG Academy EDGE London Merritt committed to the Buckeyes Friday.
Four-star Port St. Lucie (Fla) Vero Beach linebacker Tarvos ‘TJ’ Alford pledged to the Buckeyes, as did four-star Wayne (N.J.) DePaul Catholic wide receiver De’Zie Jones.
Go here for more on Alford.
Go here for more on Jones.
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Counting Down
Buckeyes vs. Akron: 153 days
Buckeyes vs. Michigan: 244 days
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