During this week’s media sessions at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center, the focus turned to Ohio State’s running backs and defensive tackles, as several key players shared their insights on the season’s progress thus far. Running backs Bo Jackson, Isaiah West, and James Peoples were joined by defensive tackles Eddrick Houston and Will Smith Jr. as they addressed their growth, teamwork, and the challenges they’ve faced.
Freshman running back Bo Jackson reflected on his initial season, stating, “It’s been very fun, just being able to get adjusted and play as much as I’ve been able to play as a freshman.” He emphasized the importance of continuously improving all aspects of his game, particularly as a runner, pass blocker, and pass catcher. Jackson lamented a recent 75-yard touchdown run that was negated by a penalty, but remains optimistic about breaking off a long run soon.
Isaiah West provided insight into his complementary role with Jackson, explaining, “Bo, he’s a slasher. You put him in, big play at any moment. Then you put me in to switch it up.” Their growing camaraderie is reflected in their off-field relationship, as they room together during road trips. West pointed to his high school experience of playing in a large backfield rotation as an asset, stating, “Vision is the key to success as a running back.”
Meanwhile, James Peoples shared his determination to contribute to the team’s success, saying, “I’m hungry for it, man. I came here and I want to be a contributor to this team.” He appreciates the effective use of their varied strengths in the running back rotation, embracing the opportunity to perform alongside his teammates.
On the defensive side, Eddrick Houston discussed his development and transition to defensive tackle, crediting the extra work he’s put in after practice for his improvement. He noted the mentorship from coaches and the collective desire of the team to succeed, highlighting a “King Kong mentality” for the defensive line, which reflects a push towards improvement and resilience.
Will Smith Jr. echoed his teammate’s sentiments about motivation derived from external narratives surrounding their performance. “There’s a lot of talk out there and sometimes it’s hard to block it all out. So it’s definitely a big motivating factor for me,” he said, expressing the collective goal of making a mark on the field.
As Ohio State’s team continues to grow together, the teamwork displayed by both the running backs and defensive tackles illustrates a promising synergy that could lead to successful outcomes in the coming games. The players’ commitment to improvement and support for one another enhances the overall prospects as they look ahead to the remainder of the season.