A legendary Buckeye running back offered high praise for Ohio State’s standout rookie.
On ‘The Script’ podcast hosted by Dave Holmes, former Ohio State running back Chris “Beanie” Wells told former quarterback Cardale Jones that he thinks the Buckeyes should turn the keys of the offense over to freshman running back Bo Jackson.
“The number one thing that I want to see is — turn the keys to the RB room over to Bo Jackson — I don’t see any reason not to when the guy’s phenomenal,” Wells said.
In two games of action (Jackson did not play against Texas in Week 1), the four-star freshman has rushed for 217 yards on just 18 carries. He rushed for 108 yards and a touchdown late in the Buckeyes dismantling of Grambling State and 109 yards against Ohio.
Wells emphasized that Jackson has both toughness and big-play ability, similar to last season’s dominant tandem.
“The kid can grind out those tough yards,” Well said. “We can see him make those explosive plays in which we’ve been used to seeing the past couple of years with Treveyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins. Turn the keys over to him.”
Jackson already has carries of 64 and 51 yards, averaging 12.1 yards per carry. The do-it-all back has also added two catches for 21 yards.
Though Jackson is just three games into his collegiate career, Wells doesn’t view his youth as a concern.
“I know he’s young,” he said “I know sometimes you want to bring young guys along slowly, but every now and then there’s a young guy that’s ready to play right now, ready to help you win right now, and I think that’s him.”
Jones responded to Wells, praising Jackson as “a star in the making,” and drawing a comparison between the rookie sensation and Wells himself.
Wells and Jones aren’t the only ones expressing confidence in Jackson, as wide receiver Jeremiah Smith voiced similar praise following both of Ohio State’s wins over Grambling State and Ohio.
After the Buckeyes win over the Tigers in Week 2 Smith called Jackson “the next great running back to come through (Ohio State).”
