Eric Boggs
Ohio State’s new running backs coach, Carlos Locklyn, wasted no time making his presence felt during the Buckeyes’ first week of spring practice. His energy was unmistakable, and his demand for excellence was clear from the opening whistle. As he put it, “Everything starts with me.”
Locklyn’s fiery approach was evident as he drilled his backs on ball security and high-stepping along the sideline. “If I come out here lukewarm, with lukewarm enthusiasm, they’re going to be the same way. I don’t coach that way,” he stated emphatically. His passion is contagious, and he expects his players to adopt the same relentless mindset.
A Competitive Backfield
Ohio State’s running back room is stacked with talent and competition. Locklyn highlighted the depth of the group, singling out James Peoples, CJ Donaldson, Sam Williams-Dixon, and incoming freshman Bo Jackson as players to watch. “It’s competitive,” he said, emphasizing that every player will have to earn their spot.
Peoples, in particular, has impressed with his maturity and drive to be great. “I think he had a great example last year with Trey (TreVeyon Henderson) and Q (Quinshon Judkins),” Locklyn said. “But Coach Lock ain’t going to make it easy for nobody.”
CJ Donaldson’s Transformation
One of the most striking stories of the offseason has been CJ’s physical transformation. Arriving at Ohio State from West Virginia at 244 pounds, he has since trimmed down to 226. Locklyn challenged him to be disciplined, and CJ has responded. “Imagine losing 20 pounds. Do you feel faster? Do you see more power? He looks good,” Locklyn noted. The change has improved CJ’s speed and endurance, making him an even more formidable weapon for the Buckeyes.
Locklyn values versatility in his backs, and Donaldson fits that mold is a former high school receiver who transitioned to running back. “He’s got really good feet and good balance,” Locklyn said. His ability to contribute in multiple ways makes him a unique asset in the Buckeyes’ offense.
Red Zone Mentality
When it comes to recruiting and evaluating running backs, Locklyn prioritizes diversity in skill sets. “We’re going to take guys with different strengths. Whether they’re big guys, small guys, pass catchers, or in-between-the-tackle runners, I want different styles,” he explained. This approach ensures Ohio State has a complete and dynamic backfield capable of attacking defenses in multiple ways.
For Locklyn, red zone success isn’t just about size—it’s about mentality. “Just because you’re big, that don’t make you powerful,” he said. He cited his experience with Jordan James at Oregon, a relatively undersized back who thrived in short-yardage situations because of his aggressive running style. The Buckeyes will rely on whoever proves they have a nose for the end zone, whether that’s CJ, Peeples, or one of the incoming freshmen.
Freshmen on the Rise
With freshmen Bo Jackson and Isaiah West joining the mix, Locklyn has clear expectations for them before they can earn significant playing time. “First thing, where they own the ball. Second thing, how good are they in pass pro?” he emphasized. Mastering pass protection is often the biggest adjustment for young running backs, and Locklyn is making sure they develop that skill quickly.
While it’s still early, Locklyn is pleased with the trajectory of his young backs. “Like I said, I tell all the young guys, it’s a marathon, not a sprint. First thing, you better earn your spot on special teams. Then you earn the right to be a Buckeye RB,” he said.
Building on Day One
Overall, Locklyn saw plenty of positives from the first practice but knows there is work to be done. “It was first practice. It wasn’t bad. Something to build off of. Cleaning stuff to work on,” he concluded.
With Locklyn leading the charge, Ohio State’s running backs are in for an intense but rewarding season. His passion, discipline, and commitment to excellence set the standard, and if his backs match his energy, the Buckeyes will have one of the most dominant ground games in the country.
