Ohio State coach Ryan Day could also be in search of much more methods to get switch portal prize Caleb Downs concerned in 2024. Whereas assembly with reporters, Day did not rule out placing the star security onto the sphere as a operating again in 2024, with Downs collaborating in some conferences with the place group main as much as the beginning of fall camp.
“It was a part of the recruiting course of (him) probably doing a little bit little bit of operating again as properly,” Day mentioned. “It is one thing he wished to do. We have been having him in a few of the conferences and a few of the particular person drills as a risk there if wanted down the highway as we proceed to construct depth at that place.
Downs is not a stranger to the operating again place, 247Sports’ No. 1 ranked switch within the 2024 class performed the place at Mill Creek Excessive Faculty in Hoschton, Georgia.
“He might in all probability be a full-time operating again on the Energy [Four] degree if he wished to as he is tough to convey down with the pigskin in his arms and is aware of easy methods to discover inexperienced grass,” mentioned 247Sports Director of Scouting Andrew Ivins in Downs’ highschool scouting report.
In keeping with his MaxPreps profile, Downs rushed for 389 yards and 20 touchdowns on 57 makes an attempt throughout his senior season and completed with 648 yards and 27 whole touchdowns throughout his three-year varsity profession.
“The place it goes, I do not actually know proper now,” Day mentioned. “However I do know he has the athleticism to do it.”
Whereas it might be enjoyable to see a participant with Downs’ expertise get an opportunity to shine on offense, the Buckeyes aren’t precisely hurting for backfield expertise. CBS Sports activities ranked Ohio State’s operating again room No. 1 heading into 2024 — forward of Georgia, Kansas, Texas and UCF. The Buckeyes added one of many high obtainable gamers on the place in Ole Miss switch Quinshon Judkins to pair with returner TreVeyon Henderson. Henderson rushed for 926 yards and 11 touchdowns final season, whereas Judkins totaled 2,723 yards and 31 touchdowns through the previous two seasons within the SEC.
“If we’ve got 4 sturdy operating backs going into it, that is gonna be sufficient to hold the season,” Day mentioned. “I do suppose that the quarterbacks will need the ball extra this season. So that ought to take some carries away from (the operating backs).”
