James Peoples and CJ Donaldson Jr. vie for Ohio State's starting running back role
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Ohio State running back duo competes for starting spot while also receiving an interesting nickname.
'Sonic and Knuckles' is the self-titled nickname for sophomore running back James Peoples and West Virginia running back transfer CJ Donaldson Jr., with Peoples being Sonic and Donaldson being Knuckles. The nickname is based on characters from the Sonic the Hedgehog video game series. Sonic is a blue hedgehog known for his incredible speed, while Knuckles is a red echidna renowned for his strength.
With Donaldson and Peoples, the Buckeyes are looking to replace a decorated running back duo. TreVeyon Henderson and Quinson Judkins combined for 2,076 rushing yards last season, and they managed to not only stay healthy the entire season, but also help the Buckeyes win their ninth national championship.
While that type of dynamic could prove beneficial again, running backs coach Carlos Locklyn emphasized,
"Last year was last year….Those kids, they're not Q and Tre. They're themselves. That's how I want to be, themselves. That's it. I don't want them to be nobody else but themselves. ... They gotta fill their own shoes, and those things will settle themselves."
Out of six total running backs at Ohio State, Peoples and Donaldson are the top contenders for the starting running back position, yet Coach Locklyn wants his running backs to be in constant competition with each other. The starting position is not coming easily.
With Henderson and Judkins in the NFL, a potential door has opened up for Peoples to step through as a leader. Moving forward to his sophomore year.
"I'm totally different. Through training and the guys, I sat behind, I just learned from them. I’ve gotten faster, stronger, quicker — everything has just taken another level up.” Peoples said.
In the 2024 regular season as a freshman backup, Peoples ran for 197 yards and two touchdowns.
However, Donaldson brings a physical skill set that fits his 6’2 and 231lb frame. With the Mountaineers last season, Donaldson ran for 734 yards and 11 touchdowns. His three-year career at West Virginia included 2,058 rushing yards and 30 scores. He could prove to be a short-yardage running back and an asset in the passing game.
CJ has good hands and experience catching the ball; he was a receiver earlier in his career. He’s also proven himself as a leader, having his black stripe removed from his helmet this week.
“I definitely had to earn it. That's one thing Coach Lock told me when I got here: everything I do, I'm going to have to earn it. So it meant a lot. To have an opportunity to be a part of his brotherhood is very special, to be an Ohio State Buckeye,” said Donaldson.
Some of the other running backs include true freshman Bo Jackson, along with Isaiah West and Turbo Rodgers. Sophomore Sam Williams-Dixon brings the group to six.
“If all six are good, all six will play. Because if they’re good enough, they’re what? They’re old enough. You put them on the field,” Locklyn said.
With three weeks to go until the noon kickoff against Texas, all of the Ohio State running backs are working to prove their worth to be out there for the first snap.