Ryan Day discusses RB depth chart, rotation plans for season opener
Ryan Day has Ohio State ready to roll into the season opener with a year full of expectations awaiting the Buckeyes. On Tuesday, the head coach met with the media to solidify what fans can expect in a number of areas.
One major area of focus comes on the offensive side of the ball with the running back position. TreVeyon Henderson, one of the most electric and productive backs when on the field, returns for another season, but he is joined by a fellow workhorse this season.
Quinshon Judkins transferred into the program after 2 marquee seasons in the SEC at Ole Miss. Judkins led the SEC in rushing as a true freshman during the 2022 season and is among the top newcomers across the country per ESPN.
Many are curious about who the starter will be between that duo, but Day says the Buckeyes have not made a final decision. However, Day says OSU is “going to get our money’s worth” with the early-season heat leading to an extensive rotation in the backfield.
In fact, Day expects to go 3 deep with the running backs. He tabbed true freshman James Peoples as RB3 on the depth chart and expects the 4-star prospect from Texas is “going to play a bunch of snaps.”
Here is what Day had to say about the group:
Whether TreVeyon Henderson or Quinshon Judkins starts at running back remains undecided, Ryan Day said. He named James Peoples as Ohio State’s official No. 3 ballcarrier behind Henderson and Judkins.
— Chase Brown (@chaseabrown__) August 27, 2024
Ryan Day on how the RB workload will shake out:
“We’re going to get our money’s worth with the heat, so we’ll be rolling those guys pretty good.”
Day said true freshman James Peoples is in line to play behind Judkis and Henderson.
— Dillon Davis (@DillonDavis56) August 27, 2024
Ryan Day says true freshman James Peoples is RB3 for Ohio State right now.
“He’s going to play a bunch of snaps like a bunch of these guys,” said Day, who noted consistency is the biggest thing for Peoples at the moment.
— Andy Backstrom (@andybackstrom) August 27, 2024
The elite pieces in the backfield, combined with Chip Kelly’s arrival as offensive coordinator, are key factors in Ohio State being among the top title contenders in the latest odds from Caesars Sportsbook. That gives the Buckeyes offense a great shot at a bounce-back season to go with another elite unit on the defensive side of the ball.