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What Ohio State football star safety Caleb Downs thinks about also playing running back

Published

2 years ago

August 20, 2024

What Ohio State football star safety Caleb Downs thinks about also playing running back

When Ohio State coach Ryan Day first floated the idea of Caleb Downs lining up as a running back as well as in the secondary earlier this summer, the suggestion did not surprise the star sophomore safety.

Downs, who transferred to the school from Alabama in January, took it as a serious possibility.

“I feel like I’m an elite player with the ball in my hands,” Downs said. “I would never not believe in myself to do something. So I definitely believe that’s on the table.”

Reflecting on the prospect of contributing on both sides of the ball Tuesday night following a preseason practice, Downs did not shy away from a potential role as a two-way player for the Buckeyes.

It was something he did in high school two years ago, playing for Mill Creek in Georgia’s highest classification. The Hawks used him in situations as a wildcat quarterback, and he ran for 334 yards and threw for 370 yards as a senior in 2022.

Downs did not log any snaps on offense as a freshman at Alabama, but he touched the ball in another phase, returning four punts, including taking one for 85 yards for a touchdown against Chattanooga.

“I know it would be accelerated because it’s college and everybody’s better,” Downs said, “but I have an idea about it because in high school, I played a lot of plays. I know what it would take.”

More: Caleb Downs could play safety and running back in 2024. Which Ohio State players played both ways?

More: Join the Ohio State Sports Insider text group with Bill Rabinowitz, Joey Kaufman Adam Jardy

Downs has taken notice of Colorado’s Travis Hunter, a fellow All-American who has played both wide receiver and cornerback for the Buffaloes, logging as many as 152 snaps in a game last season.

But Downs laid out a more modest vision for himself if he goes out as a running back with the Buckeyes

“I wouldn’t say every play or anything,” Downs said. “If I played on offense, it would be max, 10 snaps a game.”

Downs’ presence in the offensive backfield could ultimately result from a handful of factors ranging from his playmaking threat to a need that materializes at the position.

The Buckeyes went down to four scholarship backs after Dallan Hayden transferred to Colorado at the end of spring practice. All the remaining backs, which include the decorated tandem of TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins, appeared healthy this month, but the season can take a toll.

The possibility hasn’t appeared imminent as the Buckeyes open their season against Akron next week.

At Big Ten media days in July, Day said Downs would focus on safety in preseason training camp, and Downs said he last took a rep as a running back at the end of summer, indicating it was before the start of their preseason practices on Aug. 1.

If he’s touched the ball, it’s either been while picking off a quarterback or as a punt returner.

“I’ve caught a lot of punts,” Downs said. “If they give me the opportunity to do that, I’ll be happy to. If they give it to someone else, I wish them the best, and I’ll be behind them.”

Asked to summarize his mindset when he gets ahold of the ball, Downs was succinct.

“Score,” he said.

Joey Kaufman covers Ohio State football for The Columbus Dispatch. Follow him on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, @joeyrkaufman or email him at jkaufman@dispatch.com.

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Joseph J. Milano, Youngstown, Ohio

Published

9 hours ago

June 15, 2026

Press Room

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (MyValleyTributes) – Joseph J. Milano, age 63, of Youngstown, Ohio, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, surrounded by loved ones.

Born on May 15, 1963 in Sharon, Pennsylvania, Joe lived a life marked by love, dedication, and kindness.

He was a devoted husband/father/grandfather/uncle/friend whose greatest joy came from spending time with family and supporting those he loved. Joe had a lot of amazing qualities, he was selfless, caring, loyal, and relentless, he never had a problem with putting other people’s needs before his own. His work ethic carried into retirement where he picked up new hobbies like whittling. He will be remembered by his wisdom, guidance, respectful, and humble spirit.

He is survived by his wife Jennifer Milano (Weingart), his two sons Joesph and Nicholas Milano, his sister Patricia Ivan (John), his Aunt Jean Morgan, his nephews Colton and Logan Ivan, and his grandson Asher Milano.

He was preceded in death by Joseph Milano (father) Dororthy Kilgore (mother) Walt Kilgore (uncle) Joe will be remembered for his wisdom, guidance, and unwavering support. His respectful and humble spirit earned the admiration of family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him. He led by example, showing kindness, integrity, and perseverance in both words and actions. The lessons he shared and the love he gave will continue to live in the hearts of those he leaves behind.

The service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, June 17 at St Christines 3165 S Schenley Ave, Youngstown, OH 44511 “A jack of all trades is a master of none, but oftentimes better than a master of one.” He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.

Arrangements are being handled by the Vaschak-Kirila Funeral Home.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Joseph, please visit our floral store.

A television tribute will air Tuesday, June 16 at the following approximate times: 7:10 a.m. on FOX, 12:22 p.m. on WKBN, 5:08 p.m. on MyYTV and 7:27 p.m. on WYTV. Video will be posted here the day of airing.

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Pedestrian in east Columbus fatal hit-skip struck by multiple vehicles

Published

19 hours ago

June 15, 2026

Press Room

Pedestrian in east Columbus fatal hit-skip struck by multiple vehicles

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — One person is dead after police say he was a victim of a hit-skip and struck by multiple vehicles Sunday night in east Columbus.

According to a CPD incident report, an unknown vehicle was traveling eastbound on East Broad Street, just east of the Reynoldsburg-New Albany Road intersection. At the same time, a pedestrian attempting to cross the roadway was struck just after 11:15 p.m. Sunday.

The vehicle fled the scene and the victim, 43-year-old Dipak Regmi, was reportedly struck multiple times by additional vehicles after the initial collision. Regmi was pronounced dead at the scene by emergency medics.

The CPD Accident Investigation Unit responded to the scene and initiated an investigation, which remains ongoing. For more top stories on NBC4 view the video player above.

Anyone with information regarding this incident or the vehicle in question is asked to contact the Accident Investigation Unit at (614) 645-4767. Individuals wishing to remain anonymous may contact Central Ohio Crime Stoppers at (614) 461-4777.

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