Spring Preview: Will Atmospheric Pressure Lead To Thunder, Lightning At Running Back?

Overview

Ohio State enters spring practice with three veteran running backs who have all been relied upon to win a game. Senior TreVeyon Henderson could have turned pro after last season (926 yds rushing) but opted to come back. Third-year sophomore Dallan Hayden returns after redshirting last year, but his 29 touches in a 43-30 win over Maryland in 2022 are proof of his ability to handle a job. Junior Quinshon Judkins transfers in after being a two-time All-SEC performer at Ole Miss. His 2,725 career yards rushing are just 20 fewer than Henderson. True freshman James Peoples (pictured above with TreVeyon Henderson) and Sam Williams-Dixon are both enrolled and on campus.

Scholarship Roster

TreVeyon Henderson, Sr, 5-10 212
When he is healthy, he may be the most explosive back in the nation.
Quinshon Judkins, Jr, 5-11 210
One of the best and most consistent ball carriers the past two seasons.
Dallan Hayden, rSoph, 5-10 205
Has only ever produced when given an opportunity.
James Peoples, Fr, 5-10 203
Dealt with injuries as a senior but rushed for 1,904 yards as a junior.
Sam Williams-Dixon, Fr, 5-11 203
Posted nearly 1,800 yards from scrimmage and 41 touchdowns as a junior.

For Starters

TreVeyon Henderson is back for his fourth-consecutive year as a starter at running back, which would be a feat last achieved by two-time Heisman winner Archie Griffin. Henderson has battled injuries during his career, but when he’s been healthy, he’s started. In fact, the last time he was healthy and didn’t start was the first two games of his freshman season back in 2021. Quinshon Judkins has been a two-year starter at Ole Miss as well, so the experience here is substantial.

New Additions

The biggest name in this group is transfer Quinshon Judkins, who eventually won the starting job at Ole Miss nearly midway through the 2022 season as a freshman. He rushed for 1,526 yards that year, and then 1,158 yards as a sophomore. Judkins has carried the ball at least 10 times in each of his 26 career games. The Buckeyes also added a pair of freshmen to the mix in Texan James Peoples and Ohioan Sam Williams-Dixon. Peoples was ranked the No. 8 running back in the 2024 recruiting class. Williams-Dixon was one of the most prolific running threats in Ohio as a junior.

Spring Depth Chart

32	TreVeyon Henderson OR
4	Quinshon Judkins
5	Dallan Hayden
NA	James Peoples OR
NA	Sam Williams-Dixon

What’s The Latest

Some might think that a starting running back transferring to a place that already has a starting running back would be a recipe for drama, but that should not be the case here. TreVeyon Henderson has spent his last three years willingly sharing the load, and Quinshon Judkins may have led his team in rushing attempts each of the past two years, but he would also share the ball and miss entire series while the backup got work. Neither player is a selfish ball carrier. In fact, after totaling 545 carries the past two years, Judkins likely won’t be too upset to see some of that workload reduced this season.

Expectations

TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins should be an incredible 1a-1b punch this season, but the spring will likely see a lightened workload for Henderson. Judkins will still be getting into the offense and learning the scheme, so it should be a pretty normal spring for him. The addition of new offensive coordinator Chip Kelly probably won’t impact the running backs too much until later in the spring and then fall camp as the playbook comes together.

One Question Needing An Answer

Is there room for Dallan Hayden yet? This is more of a regular-season question, but this spring should see Hayden getting plenty of work, including some work with the first team. Guys will rotate through and Hayden is now a rising junior and this spring will also be an opportunity for him to help lead the true freshmen. Hayden should have a very productive spring, which will then keep him on track towards a compelling demand for playing time this season.

Breakout Candidate

Dallan Hayden already broke out as a true freshman, just as TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins did. That leaves James Peoples and Sam Williams-Dixon still waiting for their respective breakouts. It can be difficult for a true freshman running back to “break out” in spring, but it’s not impossible. Because he is from Texas, Peoples has received some comparisons to fellow Texas native and former Buckeye JK Dobbins, but he’s probably more similar to past Buckeyes Mike Weber and Miyan Williams in terms of his balance and running style. Sam Williams-Dixon is still a bit of a mystery because of his transfer from small school West Holmes to big school Pickerington North as a senior. His senior year was limited to just five games.

Defensive Tackle: Buckeyes Surround Returning Starters With Youth

Offensive Line: Buckeyes Much Deeper Than They Were A Year Ago

Defensive Ends: Ohio State Defensive Ends Just Getting Started

Tight Ends: Buckeye Tight Ends Have Big Shoes To Fill

Linebackers: Two New Starters Must Be Found

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