Relationships Keeping Ohio State in Play for Four-Star Running Back Byron Louis

PLANTATION, Fla. — Ohio State’s shake up at the running back coach position this spring caused some uncertainty for many of its top targets. But the Buckeyes were able to go out and land a highly respected coach in Carlos Locklyn and that has been a big reason why the Buckeyes have remained in contention for top targets like four-star Plantation (Fla.) American Heritage standout Byron Louis.

“Coach Locklyn, that’s my guy, one of the greatest running back coaches in college football,” Louis said. “It’s a blessing (that he was hired). You don’t meet too many coaches like coach Locklyn. A guy that’s real down to earth and honestly just wants the best for you and your family. He’s going to put you in the best position and teach you everything that you need to know.”

Louis returned to Columbus shortly after Locklyn was hired and had productive conversations with both Locklyn and head coach Ryan Day on that trip.

“Ultimately with coach Alford leaving and going to Michigan, (Locklyn) just let it be known that I’m still a top priority,” Louis explained. “Coach Day reassured me that I’m still a top priority and I’m still a guy that they want.”

The running backs room was a major source of news around the program all off-season as the Buckeyes dipped into the transfer portal to land Ole Miss star Quinshon Judkins to pair with TreVeyon Henderson. Louis took note of that move as did many around the nation.

“I’m happy for Tre,” Louis said. “Ultimately every running back needs that one-two, you can’t do it by yourself. For Tre to get some help, and with that insane receiving corps, I feel like Ohio State is going to be a problem this year for a lot of people.”

As someone who has visited Ohio State many times, Louis said he wasn’t surprised that the Buckeyes were able to land Judkins.

“Not at all,” he said. “Any kid that visits Ohio State, you fall in love with it. There’s nothing that Ohio State doesn’t have. That’s scary to say. There’s nothing that they don’t have for you to be successful and for you to get developed to make it to the next level.”

Hear more from Louis on his recruiting process, thoughts on the Buckeyes, official visits, and more from our one-on-one interview from our Southern Swing recruiting tour.