-
Follow us on Twitter @buckeyeplanet and @bp_recruiting, like us on Facebook! Enjoy a post or article, recommend it to others! BP is only as strong as its community, and we only promote by word of mouth, so share away!
LGHL Seth McLaughlin is looking to have an immediate impact on Ohio State’s offensive line
- News
- 0 Replies
Seth McLaughlin is looking to have an immediate impact on Ohio State’s offensive line
Brett Ludwiczak via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Photo by Jason Mowry/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
The center joins the Buckeyes after hitting the transfer portal following Alabama’s loss to Michigan in the Rose Bowl.
Every day from now until the start of the season, Land-Grant Holy Land is highlighting Ohio State football players that you should be watching this season. Check out all of our ”Player to Watch” articles to get ready for the season opener against Akron.
The main beneficiary of Alabama head coach Nick Saban’s retirement in January was Ohio State. The Buckeyes were able to bring three Crimson Tide players to Columbus via the transfer portal. While safety Caleb Downs and quarterback Julian Sayin have received most of the attention, center Seth McLaughlin is going to step in immediately on the Ohio State offensive line this season.
Prior to committing to Alabama, McLaughlin grew up and played his high school football in Buford, Georgia. Not only did McLaughlin end up being a four-star recruit, he replaced former Harry Miller on the offensive line after Miller graduated and moved on to Ohio State to play for the Buckeyes from 2019 to 2021. McLaughlin was part of Alabama’s 2020 recruiting class, but he would only play a handful of snaps in his freshman year in Tuscaloosa.
McLaughlin was thrown into the fire late in the 2021 season when he made his first start for Alabama in the SEC Championship Game against Georgia in a game the Crimson Tide would end up winning to secure a spot in the College Football Playoff. Following a strong performance against the Bulldogs, McLaughlin earned the start in the CFP semifinal win over Cincinnati, as well as in the loss in the rematch against Georgia in the title game.
Despite holding his own in three starts at center to close out the 2021 season, McLaughlin still sat behind Darrian Dalcourt on Alabama’s depth chart heading into the 2022 season. McLaughlin would eventually move back to the starting center position as Dalcourt was dealing with injuries. By the end of a season that saw the Crimson Tide lose games to Tennessee and LSU by a combined four points to keep them out of the playoff, McLaughlin had started eight games.
Unlike the 2022 season, there was no question about McLaughlin’s role last year on the offensive line, as Dalcourt moved to guard so McLaughlin could start at center. McLaughlin would go on to start 13 games for a Crimson Tide squad that would sneak into the College Football Playoff after beating Georgia in the SEC Championship Game, snapping the 29-game winning streak of the Bulldogs.
Unfortunately for McLaughlin and Alabama, not only did they lose to Michigan in overtime in the Rose Bowl, the center had a number of poor snaps, including one on the final play of the game.
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25576958/1903205064.jpg "COLLEGE FOOTBALL: JAN 01 CFP Semifinal - Rose Bowl Game - Alabama vs Michigan")
Photo by Jordon Kelly/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Two days after the loss to Michigan, McLaughlin entered the transfer portal. Just three days after entering the portal, McLaughlin decided Ohio State was the right place for him.
The move makes a ton of sense for both sides. Not only did McLaughlin want to play for a prestigious program like Alabama that would be in the national title hunt, but Ohio State brought in an established center since there were questions at the position after Carson Hinzman didn’t play in the Cotton Bowl.
The addition of McLaughlin looked even smarter after Ohio State brought in Bill O’Brien as offensive coordinator. O’Brien was part of Nick Saban’s staff at Alabama in 2021 and 2022, so he already had some familiarity working with McLaughlin. O’Brien’s time in Columbus lasted less than a month, as he took the head coaching position at Boston College, which opened up after O’Brien was hired by Ohio State.
Despite O’Brien moving on, Ohio State actually upgraded at offensive coordinator since they brought in UCLA head coach Chip Kelly, who is Ryan Day’s mentor.
Even having played in 35 games and starting 24 contests over the last three seasons, there are some Ohio State fans that might be leery of McLaughlin because of some of those poor snaps against Michigan. McLaughlin isn’t too worried about the issue and is feeling more comfortable in the Ohio State offense because there is a difference in cadence and signaling.
Jalen Milroe and Alabama chose to use a clap to signal they were ready for the snap, while Ohio State is planning to use a verbal cadence, which McLaughlin is more comfortable with.
There certainly are a number of incoming transfers on offense that will receive more attention than McLaughlin, but the center is going to be critical to Ohio State’s success this year. The Buckeyes need McLaughlin to put some of the inconsistent snap issues that were seen from him last year behind him, and hopefully a change in scenery helps.
McLaughlin has plenty of big game experience, so he should fit in just fine on a Buckeye team that has their eyes on a national title this year.
Continue reading...
Brett Ludwiczak via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Photo by Jason Mowry/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
The center joins the Buckeyes after hitting the transfer portal following Alabama’s loss to Michigan in the Rose Bowl.
Every day from now until the start of the season, Land-Grant Holy Land is highlighting Ohio State football players that you should be watching this season. Check out all of our ”Player to Watch” articles to get ready for the season opener against Akron.
The main beneficiary of Alabama head coach Nick Saban’s retirement in January was Ohio State. The Buckeyes were able to bring three Crimson Tide players to Columbus via the transfer portal. While safety Caleb Downs and quarterback Julian Sayin have received most of the attention, center Seth McLaughlin is going to step in immediately on the Ohio State offensive line this season.
Prior to committing to Alabama, McLaughlin grew up and played his high school football in Buford, Georgia. Not only did McLaughlin end up being a four-star recruit, he replaced former Harry Miller on the offensive line after Miller graduated and moved on to Ohio State to play for the Buckeyes from 2019 to 2021. McLaughlin was part of Alabama’s 2020 recruiting class, but he would only play a handful of snaps in his freshman year in Tuscaloosa.
McLaughlin was thrown into the fire late in the 2021 season when he made his first start for Alabama in the SEC Championship Game against Georgia in a game the Crimson Tide would end up winning to secure a spot in the College Football Playoff. Following a strong performance against the Bulldogs, McLaughlin earned the start in the CFP semifinal win over Cincinnati, as well as in the loss in the rematch against Georgia in the title game.
Despite holding his own in three starts at center to close out the 2021 season, McLaughlin still sat behind Darrian Dalcourt on Alabama’s depth chart heading into the 2022 season. McLaughlin would eventually move back to the starting center position as Dalcourt was dealing with injuries. By the end of a season that saw the Crimson Tide lose games to Tennessee and LSU by a combined four points to keep them out of the playoff, McLaughlin had started eight games.
Unlike the 2022 season, there was no question about McLaughlin’s role last year on the offensive line, as Dalcourt moved to guard so McLaughlin could start at center. McLaughlin would go on to start 13 games for a Crimson Tide squad that would sneak into the College Football Playoff after beating Georgia in the SEC Championship Game, snapping the 29-game winning streak of the Bulldogs.
Unfortunately for McLaughlin and Alabama, not only did they lose to Michigan in overtime in the Rose Bowl, the center had a number of poor snaps, including one on the final play of the game.
Two days after the loss to Michigan, McLaughlin entered the transfer portal. Just three days after entering the portal, McLaughlin decided Ohio State was the right place for him.
The move makes a ton of sense for both sides. Not only did McLaughlin want to play for a prestigious program like Alabama that would be in the national title hunt, but Ohio State brought in an established center since there were questions at the position after Carson Hinzman didn’t play in the Cotton Bowl.
The addition of McLaughlin looked even smarter after Ohio State brought in Bill O’Brien as offensive coordinator. O’Brien was part of Nick Saban’s staff at Alabama in 2021 and 2022, so he already had some familiarity working with McLaughlin. O’Brien’s time in Columbus lasted less than a month, as he took the head coaching position at Boston College, which opened up after O’Brien was hired by Ohio State.
Despite O’Brien moving on, Ohio State actually upgraded at offensive coordinator since they brought in UCLA head coach Chip Kelly, who is Ryan Day’s mentor.
Even having played in 35 games and starting 24 contests over the last three seasons, there are some Ohio State fans that might be leery of McLaughlin because of some of those poor snaps against Michigan. McLaughlin isn’t too worried about the issue and is feeling more comfortable in the Ohio State offense because there is a difference in cadence and signaling.
Jalen Milroe and Alabama chose to use a clap to signal they were ready for the snap, while Ohio State is planning to use a verbal cadence, which McLaughlin is more comfortable with.
There certainly are a number of incoming transfers on offense that will receive more attention than McLaughlin, but the center is going to be critical to Ohio State’s success this year. The Buckeyes need McLaughlin to put some of the inconsistent snap issues that were seen from him last year behind him, and hopefully a change in scenery helps.
McLaughlin has plenty of big game experience, so he should fit in just fine on a Buckeye team that has their eyes on a national title this year.
Continue reading...
LGHL James Peoples’ value far supersedes his spot on the depth chart for Ohio State
- News
- 0 Replies
James Peoples’ value far supersedes his spot on the depth chart for Ohio State
Gene Ross via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Ohio State freshman running back James Peoples | via @James_peoples17 on Twitter
The Buckeyes’ freshman gets to learn behind two veteran co-starters while providing important depth.
Every day from now until the start of the season, Land-Grant Holy Land is highlighting Ohio State football players that you should be watching this season. Check out all of our ”Player to Watch” articles to get ready for the season opener against Akron.
Ohio State’s offense, which has previously been driven by a high-flying passing attack, could see more a shift towards a run-heavy system in 2024. While the receivers are still incredibly talented and quarterback play should be improved, the star(s) of the show will likely be the nation’s top running back duo of TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins.
Henderson, a former five-star and the No. 1 RB in the 2021 recruiting class, has been a dynamic weapon for the Buckeyes when healthy, rushing for over 2,700 yards on 6.2 yards per carry with 32 touchdowns in addition to 569 yards and five scores in the receiving department across 31 career games. He returns for what will be his senior campaign, looking to build on the high points while avoiding the injury bug that has plagued each of his last two seasons.
Joining him in the backfield will be the Ole Miss transfer, Quinshon Judkins. A surprise addition to the Ohio State roster this offseason, Judkins had been an absolute bell-cow back for the Rebels in each of his first two collegiate seasons, rushing for over 2,700 yards and 31 TDs on a whopping 545 carries (over 270 per year). The Alabama native was named a freshman All-American in 2022 and First Team All-SEC in 2023 for his efforts, and will continue his playing career in Columbus in 2024 in a true thunder-and-lighting combo alongside Henderson.
While those two guys will obviously earn the bulk of the reps, they won’t be able to do it alone. However, the four running backs behind Henderson from last year’s Ohio State team are now all gone. Chip Trayanum, who spent the last two seasons with the Buckeyes after transferring from Arizona State, is now at Kentucky. Miyan Williams elected to go pro, and Dallan Hayden and Evan Pryor ended up at Colorado and Cincinnati, respectively.
Even with the addition of Judkins, that is a lot of depth to lose at one position in an offseason. As a result, the next man up behind the Buckeyes’ starting duo will be true freshman James Peoples.
Peoples comes to Ohio State as the No. 8 running back and the No. 115 player nationally in the 2024 class per the 247Sports Composite. The San Antonio, Texas native missed some of his senior season with an injury, but still averaged over 10 yards per carry in each of his last two years at Veteran Memorial, amassing an impressive 1,904 yards and 28 touchdowns in his junior campaign in 2022 to earn San Antonio Express-Times Offensive Player of the Year honors.
As a result, Peoples racked up nearly 30 offers during the recruiting process from virtually all of the big names in the sport. The 5-foot-10 running back first received his Ohio State offer during a recruiting camp in the summer of 2022, and would eventually choose the Buckeyes a year later out of a group of six finalists that also included Alabama, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas and TCU. While Peoples grew up in Texas, it likely helped Ohio State’s chances that his father is from Cleveland and his mother is from Youngstown.
Now, Peoples will be thrust immediately in an important role. He obviously isn’t going to be expected to tote the rock 25 times a game or anything like that, but he will be on the field when both of the top two guys could use a breather, and will likely be the main man in mop up duty once games are out of hand. Peoples has been third in line during drills behind Henderson and Judkins during camp, and recently shed his black stripe on Aug. 9, showing that the coaching staff believes in his abilities to play at this level.
“I feel very confident,” Peoples said to the media earlier this month, “Because of the intensity in practices we’ve been through with Coach Lock. I feel like if they call my number, I’ll definitely be ready. [...] I bring an edge to my game. I’m very competitive. I run hard every play. I’m a hard worker.”
Peoples has already shown a little of what he is capable of during Ohio State’s spring game, where he ran for 40 yards and a touchdown on 10 carries while also adding three receptions for 23 yards. The running back seems to clearly understand his role on the team, and will be ready to go when thrust into action — likely as soon as the Buckeyes’ first game on Aug. 31 against Akron.
“[A big role this season] definitely could come. But I just say keeping my head down, working every day and all that’s going to sort itself out,” Peoples said. “I just gotta focus on doing my job, coming to practice every day, putting my best foot forward and doing my assignment. I’m not too worried about kind of like where I’ll fall really right now, but just being the best player that I can be right now and seeing where it goes from there.”
In the era of the 12-team College Football Playoff, depth is going to be more crucial than ever. Ohio State has two of the nation’s best running backs on its roster, but Henderson has had more than his fair share of injury woes in the past, and Judkins would prefer to avoid another 250-plus carries this season to keep a little tread off the tires for the next level. As a result, Peoples will be far more than just a garbage time ball-carrier for the Buckeyes this season, and it sounds like he will be up to the task.
Continue reading...
Gene Ross via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Ohio State freshman running back James Peoples | via @James_peoples17 on Twitter
The Buckeyes’ freshman gets to learn behind two veteran co-starters while providing important depth.
Every day from now until the start of the season, Land-Grant Holy Land is highlighting Ohio State football players that you should be watching this season. Check out all of our ”Player to Watch” articles to get ready for the season opener against Akron.
Ohio State’s offense, which has previously been driven by a high-flying passing attack, could see more a shift towards a run-heavy system in 2024. While the receivers are still incredibly talented and quarterback play should be improved, the star(s) of the show will likely be the nation’s top running back duo of TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins.
Henderson, a former five-star and the No. 1 RB in the 2021 recruiting class, has been a dynamic weapon for the Buckeyes when healthy, rushing for over 2,700 yards on 6.2 yards per carry with 32 touchdowns in addition to 569 yards and five scores in the receiving department across 31 career games. He returns for what will be his senior campaign, looking to build on the high points while avoiding the injury bug that has plagued each of his last two seasons.
Joining him in the backfield will be the Ole Miss transfer, Quinshon Judkins. A surprise addition to the Ohio State roster this offseason, Judkins had been an absolute bell-cow back for the Rebels in each of his first two collegiate seasons, rushing for over 2,700 yards and 31 TDs on a whopping 545 carries (over 270 per year). The Alabama native was named a freshman All-American in 2022 and First Team All-SEC in 2023 for his efforts, and will continue his playing career in Columbus in 2024 in a true thunder-and-lighting combo alongside Henderson.
While those two guys will obviously earn the bulk of the reps, they won’t be able to do it alone. However, the four running backs behind Henderson from last year’s Ohio State team are now all gone. Chip Trayanum, who spent the last two seasons with the Buckeyes after transferring from Arizona State, is now at Kentucky. Miyan Williams elected to go pro, and Dallan Hayden and Evan Pryor ended up at Colorado and Cincinnati, respectively.
Even with the addition of Judkins, that is a lot of depth to lose at one position in an offseason. As a result, the next man up behind the Buckeyes’ starting duo will be true freshman James Peoples.
Peoples comes to Ohio State as the No. 8 running back and the No. 115 player nationally in the 2024 class per the 247Sports Composite. The San Antonio, Texas native missed some of his senior season with an injury, but still averaged over 10 yards per carry in each of his last two years at Veteran Memorial, amassing an impressive 1,904 yards and 28 touchdowns in his junior campaign in 2022 to earn San Antonio Express-Times Offensive Player of the Year honors.
As a result, Peoples racked up nearly 30 offers during the recruiting process from virtually all of the big names in the sport. The 5-foot-10 running back first received his Ohio State offer during a recruiting camp in the summer of 2022, and would eventually choose the Buckeyes a year later out of a group of six finalists that also included Alabama, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas and TCU. While Peoples grew up in Texas, it likely helped Ohio State’s chances that his father is from Cleveland and his mother is from Youngstown.
Now, Peoples will be thrust immediately in an important role. He obviously isn’t going to be expected to tote the rock 25 times a game or anything like that, but he will be on the field when both of the top two guys could use a breather, and will likely be the main man in mop up duty once games are out of hand. Peoples has been third in line during drills behind Henderson and Judkins during camp, and recently shed his black stripe on Aug. 9, showing that the coaching staff believes in his abilities to play at this level.
“I feel very confident,” Peoples said to the media earlier this month, “Because of the intensity in practices we’ve been through with Coach Lock. I feel like if they call my number, I’ll definitely be ready. [...] I bring an edge to my game. I’m very competitive. I run hard every play. I’m a hard worker.”
Peoples has already shown a little of what he is capable of during Ohio State’s spring game, where he ran for 40 yards and a touchdown on 10 carries while also adding three receptions for 23 yards. The running back seems to clearly understand his role on the team, and will be ready to go when thrust into action — likely as soon as the Buckeyes’ first game on Aug. 31 against Akron.
“[A big role this season] definitely could come. But I just say keeping my head down, working every day and all that’s going to sort itself out,” Peoples said. “I just gotta focus on doing my job, coming to practice every day, putting my best foot forward and doing my assignment. I’m not too worried about kind of like where I’ll fall really right now, but just being the best player that I can be right now and seeing where it goes from there.”
In the era of the 12-team College Football Playoff, depth is going to be more crucial than ever. Ohio State has two of the nation’s best running backs on its roster, but Henderson has had more than his fair share of injury woes in the past, and Judkins would prefer to avoid another 250-plus carries this season to keep a little tread off the tires for the next level. As a result, Peoples will be far more than just a garbage time ball-carrier for the Buckeyes this season, and it sounds like he will be up to the task.
Continue reading...
