Ohio State’s running back room was already looking to be incredibly top-heavy in 2024. At the top, TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins are two of college football’s best. Together, the pair have run for 5,470 yards and 63 touchdowns. As receivers, they’ve amassed 859 yards and eight touchdowns.
After them, there are two true freshmen and a walk-on. Now, it’s come out that that walk-on, TC Caffey, has suffered a knee injury during offseason workouts and is likely going to miss the 2024 season.
In his time with Ohio State, Caffey has played sparingly, and that’s putting it generously. He has a total of two appearances in 2022 with 10 carries for 66 yards and a touchdown. The bulk of his playtime was in the blowout win over Toledo.
Last year, he didn’t get on the field for a single snap.
Ohio State’s Running Back Depth Takes a Hit
Losing a walk-on usually isn’t big news. However, considering he was the only member of Ohio State’s running back depth is any kind of experience, therein lies concern.
Both freshmen, James Peoples and Sam Williams-Dixon, looked good in the Spring Game. However, that was just the Spring Game against defenses deep depth.
Even if they have what it takes to be viable running backs three and four, Ohio State now needs to add to the room in some fashion. There are still a few running backs still in the transfer portal but this close to training camp would make things difficult.
Ryan Day did say that Caleb Downs was also working out with the running back. However, if he logs any meaningful snaps at the position, it would be a surprise.
Peoples and Williams-Dixon are going to need to grow up quickly for the Buckeyes. Both their scouting reports coming out of high school are glowing and it looked like they could both break out in mop-up duty.
If Ohio State is as good as it is supposed to be, both freshmen running backs should get meaningful playing time this fall.
