Ohio State RBs Coach Tony Alford: LB Chip Traynum, WR Xavier Johnson Are 'People You Want To Be Around'
Not every path in life is a straight line.
That saying is not news to Ohio State Buckeyes junior linebacker Chip Traynum and graduate wide receiver Xavier Johnson, each of whom spent time away from their usual positions this season in order to fill in at running back.
Ohio State running backs coach Tony Alford spoke about his responsibility to shape Traynum and Johnson into capable players at the position.
“I don’t look at it as a challenge, I look at it as a necessity,” Alford said. Henderson played in eight of Ohio State’s 12 regular-season games while battling a foot injury.
This ailment also led to him missing the Peach Bowl in order to have surgery in preparation for the 2023 NFL Combine and Draft coming up in a few short months.
Williams played three more games than Henderson but spent less time on the field than normal in some games due to an ankle injury.
Alford said the willingness for Johnson and Traynum to embrace a new role was because the team needed them to leave a good impression on him.
“I think it speaks volumes about the guys like Xavier (Johnson) and Chip (Traynum) for that matter,” Alford said. “They are team guys that want to help the team.”
The final numbers from Johnson and Traynum are proof that Alford succeeded in his mission. Traynum ran 15 times totaling 92 total yards, and Johnson had 12 carries on which he earned 146 yards and a touchdown.
Johnson also finished the season with an impressive 12.2 yards-per-carry average. Alford talked about the example that Johnson and Traynum set this season, but added that they weren't the only Buckeyes capable of stepping up if another need arose in the future.
“Those are the type of people you want to be around,” Alford said. “They’re problem solvers…They want to be part of the solution. I think we have a bunch of those in our locker room.”
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