RB T.C. Caffey (Official Thread)

[ScriptOhio]

TC Caffey can 'bring value' for Ohio State in 2024, possibly replace Dallan Hayden in the running back room​

Since 247Sports reported that junior running back Dallan Hayden intends to enter the transfer portal after spring practice concludes, Buckeye fans have asked how the Scarlet and Gray will address the running back depth behind Henderson, the returning starter, and Ole Miss transfer Quinshon Judkins. Ohio State's only other scholarship running backs are freshmen James Peoples and Sam Williams-Dixon, two capable but inexperienced players at the college level.

Perhaps the simple answer is Caffey, something suggested by those who recall watching his 10 career carries, including that 49-yard run from two years ago.

While the injury slowed Caffey's momentum in 2022, he has picked up where he left off this offseason. During the Buckeyes' student appreciation day, Caffey had the opportunity to remind his fellow students what he could do. After the open practice, head coach Ryan Day complimented Caffey unprompted.

"The other guy who's been very, very good in there and I think is going to play for us and get carries for us is TC Caffey," Day said. "He's done a very good job, he's very disciplined in his approach and he's a guy that can really bring value for us."

Word of Day's comments got back to Caffey.

"It means a lot. It says I put in my work," he said. "We've got this saying in the back room that's, 'Keep stacking days,' and that's what I've been trying to do. Trying to build something in myself for the team that can contribute and bring a good part to the team."
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"TC works very hard," Judkins said this spring. "He knows the offense. He's always in the playbook, always in the meetings, writing things down. Very head-down guy. He doesn't really talk that much, but he's very good."

Caffey isn't Hayden and won't be a like-for-like replacement for a player who produced at a high level when on the field. But he's a physical and powerful run who can make plays, like the one against Toledo two years ago, when given the opportunity.

Not a bad option for a third running back.

 

[sg86]

If you built a RB in a lab specifically for Carlos Locklyn, it would probably be TC Caffey. That kid is going to shine when he gets a chance.

 

[RugbyBuck]

Agree. He’ll get a fair shake that he might not elsewhere.

 

[pnuts34]

Wouldn’t

I’m not necessarily attempting to make that fine of an assessment. Only suggesting he could very well be a scholarship level athlete at many schools that apparently didn’t offer. While he may have still chosen the PWO route at tOSU is another issue as is his skills as a B1G back. Purely commenting on the likely miss by many schools that would have benefited from his presence on their sideline.

i will gladly admit being wrong about Caffey. Kid looked like a Buckeye level RB in the spring game, and there’s been nothing but glowing remarks from Lock And Day. I can assume he’s battling SWD for the 4thRB, and IdK if Day will even pursue a RB in the Portal now. But even a 5th RB can find some PT in a season that should be 17gms for OSU. The 1st 4gms on the schedule should see ample PT after halftime. And the 3gms before The Game, backups should also be giving starters rest. I hope TC earns a scholly by the time the season starts

 

[scarletngray]

He did well in the Spring scrimmage. He seems to always produce when he is on the field. Reminds me of the X Man early on in his career. Not the same versatility, but similar production. He's a keeper for sure.

 

[RB07OSU]

He did well in the Spring scrimmage. He seems to always produce when he is on the field. Reminds me of the X Man early on in his career. Not the same versatility, but similar production. He's a keeper for sure.

Funny you bring up X Man, thought the same thing. At first you think "Oh they're good for a walkon" and then soon enough you just realize they're good. He's in a crowded RB room for sure just like X in the receiver room, but I wouldn't count Caffey out of some time to shine. At the least, RB needs a ton of depth to be effective and it's nice to know he's there to call on.

 

[Thump]

Be nice to see him put on scholarship.

 

[scarletngray]

Funny you bring up X Man, thought the same thing. At first you think "Oh they're good for a walkon" and then soon enough you just realize they're good. He's in a crowded RB room for sure just like X in the receiver room, but I wouldn't count Caffey out of some time to shine. At the least, RB needs a ton of depth to be effective and it's nice to know he's there to call on.

There's some talk that they may give him a scholarship.

 

[RB07OSU]

There's some talk that they may give him a scholarship.

If he sticks around like it seems like he will, then well earned if we have one to give when the time comes.

 

[Bestbuck36]

I actually think he'll be RB3 at least to begin camp. Peoples and SWD will have to be trusted to block just like Hayden. It wont concern me if he is.