Ohio State's Tony Alford Compared RB Commit James Peoples to This Buckeye Great
Ohio State Buckeyes class of 2024 running back commit James Peoples scrapped his plans to visit other schools after he came to Columbus, committing on April 2.
On his visit, Peoples was enamored with the "genuine love" shown to him as well as being a part of the running backs meeting room. In his talks with Alford, Peoples really appreciated his "father figure" demeanor in addition to his knowledge and plan for his development.
However, on that visit, Alford gave Peoples a lofty comparison to another former Buckeyes ball-carrier.
"He told me I remind him a lot of J.K. [Dobbins] and, not of course because of the relationship of us both being Texas backs," Peoples told Buckeye Scoop. "But really just my attitude, my demeanor, how I go about my business, of course, my build and things like that."
Dobbins was a Buckeye from 2017-19 and holds the program's single-season rushing record with 2,003 yards in 2019, as his 21 touchdowns that season are the fifth-most in a single season in program history. The La Grange, TX. native ranks second all-time in Ohio State history with 4,459 career rushing yards, trailing the only two-time Heisman Trophy winner Archie Griffin who had 5,589 yards in four seasons.
Dobbins was selected in the second round with the 55th pick in the 2020 NFL Draft by the Baltimore Ravens, where he has spent his first three years in the league. Dobbins has run for 1,325 yards on 225 carries with 11 rushing touchdowns.
Peoples said in his talks with Alford, they discussed how they can develop the "totality of the running back" in his game.
"He sees taking everything in my game to the next level," Peoples said. "To my hands, he's like, 'You got great hands, you got quickness, you got power and everything like that, but there's always more to achieve,' so we're always looking to get better at everything I can."
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