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James Peoples, 4-star RB: Ohio State Signing Day 2024 player profile
COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Ohio State football program is expected to sign four-star running back James Peoples during the early signing period for the 2024 recruiting class, which lasts from Dec. 20-22. Learn more about this member of the Buckeyes’ recruiting class with this profile.
James Peoples
School: Veterans Memorial (San Antonio, Texas)
Position: Running back
Height, weight: 5-foot-10, 192 pounds
247Sports rating: Four-star prospect rated the No. 7 running back, the No. 17 player in Texas and the No. 95 player in the country according to the 247Sports composite ratings.
Other offers: Alabama, Arkansas, Auburn, Baylor, Central Michigan, Houston, Kansas, Miami, Michigan State, Missouri, Nebraska, Northwestern, Oklahoma, Oregon, Penn State, Prairie View A&M, SMU, TCU, Tennessee, Texas, Texas Tech, Toledo, UCF, USC, UTSA.
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What’s his deal?
Peoples is the highest ranked of what is currently three running backs in Ohio State’s 2024 class. (Jordan Lyle is a 247Sports projected flip to Miami).
That makes Peoples’ spot in the class incredibly important, as he might be given a large role early on. He’s a strong runner at just 5-foot-10 and 192 pounds, which doesn’t scream bulldozing back, but he can run like one. He’s a track athlete and plays in one of the best areas for high school football in the country, meaning there will be less of a learning curve for him joining the team.
How he fits into Ohio State’s plans
He might have a massive role into Ohio State’s future very, very soon.
As it stands, the Buckeyes are set to have just five players at running back for the 2024 team: TreVeyon Henderson, Dallan Hayden, and the three incoming freshmen. Peoples is rated as the highest of the bunch.
But, Henderson could very well go pro in the coming weeks and Hayden will be NFL Draft eligible at this time next year, which could mean that Peoples is Ohio State’s starting running back for the 2025 season.
Projections for 2024
As just listed, the opportunity might be there — early — for Peoples to make a massive impact on the Buckeyes.
It’s not inconceivable for Peoples to be the third running back next year, or even the second running back if Henderson departs for the NFL. Even if the Buckeyes bring in a transfer portal running back, Peoples should have the chance to compete for a role.
As seen in the 2023 season, though, the Buckeyes aren’t shy about using three running backs when they have to. And if Peoples can cement himself in the top three on the depth chart, he’ll see some action in meaningful games.
Read more about Peoples
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