On early Sunday evening, the Ohio State football team found the first half of their 2024 recruiting class running back tandem in James Peoples.
The Texan is viewed as one of the best in the country, the No. 69 best overall prospect and 5th running back by the 247Sports composite rankings. After watching his junior film, the ranking is justified.
Even though Peoples making his verbal to head coach Ryan Day and running backs coach Tony Alford at this time, you have to expect the Buckeyes will continue to recruit him until the end. ‘Tis the age we live in.
As a former scout, I’ve watched plenty of film, and here is my assessment of what Ohio State is getting out of running back James Peoples.
Strong lower half
Great Team win against our first obstacle, Now time to conquer the next!
Stats:
6 carries- 123 yds. 20.5 yds per carry. – 2 TDs
(Peep the bunnies though🐇)https://t.co/sdj2PaTbUl@SAVeteransFBall @AdamJRossow pic.twitter.com/hcssbij0Po— James (@James_peoples17) November 15, 2022
Analysis
This is exactly what you want to see out of backs, great leg drive and balance. Not only that Peoples displays the strength to not get taken down by arm tackles and running through bad attempts to stop him.
Effective inside and out
MID SEASON HIGHLIGHTS 🔥
Mid Season Stats :
107 Carries
1078 rushing Yards
10.1 per carry
18 TDReceiving Stats:
8 Catches
68 yards
12.5 per catch
1 TD @SWiltfong247 @Fhall565Hall @RivalsNick @Perroni247 @BHoward_11 @247HudsonFull Video Link▶️ https://t.co/41xiW8ZoQl pic.twitter.com/Yd96iavl3G
— James (@James_peoples17) October 12, 2022
Analysis
In order for any offense to run its full playbook, it needs to have backs that can run between the tackles and also get chunks on the outside. Peoples has the skills to do that, the aforementioned strength to run inside and the soon-to-be-explained speed to get to the corner.
Breakaway speed
Week 7 Highlights: Vs Bastrop
Stats :
13 – Carries
274 – yards
21.1 – YPC
4 – Touchdowns @irvin8robert @Jtimmy83 @Fhall565Hall @SWiltfong247 @adamgorney @247Hudson @Perroni247 @BHoward_11 @RivalsNick https://t.co/SxbBR7Tw1W pic.twitter.com/p8lm1K2UlR— James (@James_peoples17) October 16, 2022
Analysis
At the next level, speed is important to complete explosive runs. Peoples has plenty of it, as he’s shown a penchant for being able to finish off long jaunts. Track and field has paid off for him, as that speed has translated over to football.
Pass catcher
First Touchdown Reception of the season , more coming stay tuned 📈💯@Fhall565Hall @adamgorney @GHamilton_On3 @SWiltfong247
2024 RBhttps://t.co/XdeL6yjT7C pic.twitter.com/JTGvBdMVmo
— James (@James_peoples17) September 18, 2022
Analysis
Not only is speed and inside and out a necessary component but being a threat in the passing game is as well. For any back to play on all three downs, they have to show great hands and the ability makes defenses aware of where they are. Peoples does a great job catching balls out of the backfield and has home-run ability when that happens.
Ohio State player comparison
Well Zeke Elliott takes the handoff 5 yards deep in the backfield, breaks through the line of scrimmage, outruns the Alabama defense, and scores a touchdown which with the PAT puts Ohio State up by 13. pic.twitter.com/wSSUXzeUvo
— Tobias Fünke (@TobiasFnke7) October 24, 2022
Analysis
There were a few comparisons that came to mind but Ezekiel Elliott was the one that I kept returning to. Comparable in size, Zeke being just a bit larger, with the same current recruiting rankings and a very similar skill set. Will Peoples have the same impact? That remains to be seen, but they look very alike when toting the ball.
Contact/Follow us @BuckeyesWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Ohio State news, notes, and opinion. Follow Michael Chen on Twitter.
