Eric Boggs
Carlos Locklyn’s path to the sidelines of Ohio Stadium is anything but conventional, and that’s exactly what makes him the perfect fit for the Buckeyes. Raised in Montgomery, Alabama, Locklyn’s journey has taken him from criminal justice and corrections to high school coaching, to now leading one of the most storied running back rooms in college football. In a candid conversation on the Bobby Carpenter Show, Locklyn revealed the layers behind his coaching style, his deep-rooted passion for people, and how Ohio State has become more than just a stop on his coaching journey—it’s home.
Locklyn’s love for football started young, at just three years old, when his late uncle introduced him to the game through the lens of Tony Dorsett and the Dallas Cowboys. That early passion fueled a playing career at Chattanooga and a short-lived stint with the New York Giants, cut short by medical concerns. From there, he pivoted into law enforcement, working in corrections and later as a police officer in Mississippi, all while raising a young family. But football kept calling.
While holding a government job he can’t even fully disclose, Locklyn volunteered as a high school coach in Memphis. He worked tirelessly, even funding players’ meals and equipment out of his own pocket. He coached at five different high schools, bringing every one of them to the playoffs and mentoring young men from underserved communities. That era, Locklyn says, shaped who he is today: a coach who leads by serving.
His big break into college football didn’t come through big names or elite connections. Instead, it came via a humble Twitter DM to strength coach Josh Storms, who gave Locklyn a chance at Memphis. Locklyn started by changing clothes in parking lots before volunteering in the weight room alongside NFL-bound talents like Darrell Henderson and Tony Pollard. He earned trust through work ethic and authenticity, eventually rising from volunteer to Director of High School Relations under head coach Mike Norvell, who later brought him to Florida State.
Now at Ohio State, Locklyn’s coaching philosophy remains unchanged: serve first, lead with passion, and develop men. He proudly shares how he emphasizes detail, discipline, and unity in his running back room. From teaching his backs to make their beds every morning to breaking down linebacker tendencies with precision, Locklyn’s impact is both technical and deeply personal. His players—like TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins—have reflected his intensity on the field, especially in the often-overlooked art of blocking.
For Locklyn, being at Ohio State is more than a job—it’s a divine assignment. Despite a career that’s taken him coast to coast, he immediately bought a house in Columbus and knew this was where he wanted to stay. The Buckeye fans, their passion, and the brotherhood within the program have only confirmed that decision. He describes his commitment to Ryan Day and the staff as a calling to help them succeed at the highest level. He believes in pouring into others—be it his players, fellow coaches, or the program as a whole.
The 2025 running back room presents a new challenge with the departures of stars like Henderson and Judkins. But Locklyn is fired up about what’s next. He believes in the young, lesser-known talents like James Peoples, Sam Williams-Dixon, and Bo Jackson. While outsiders might overlook the room, Locklyn is betting on development and toughness to carry the day. His message to his players is clear: no handouts, just hard work. And as for expectations? He welcomes them. After all, this is Ohio State—a place built on great running backs—and nothing about that is going to change under his watch.
For Buckeye Nation, Carlos Locklyn is more than just a coach. He’s a walking testimony to perseverance, grit, and the kind of servant leadership that defines the best in the game. From Montgomery to Columbus, his journey has been powered by faith, sacrifice, and the unwavering belief that football can change lives.
