Among the quarterbacks and running backs that stood out at Ohio State’s recruiting camp on Thursday, perhaps none stood out more than Humble (Texas) Atascocita four-star running back Tory Blaylock (5-11, 175).
Blaylock – who was making his third visit to Ohio State, and was offered by the Buckeyes in January – dominated his drills throughout the afternoon, showing why he is the No. 142 overall prospect and No. 13 running back in 2025, and why he holds additional offers from schools like Alabama, Georgia, Oklahoma, Oregon and Tennessee, some of his other top schools.
“Everything went great,” Blaylock said . “I had a nice time out here competing with some of the best athletes around me. It was a good experience to be out here, and I enjoyed myself.”
Blaylock was not the only notable running back on campus, as Cleveland Heights four-star Marquise Davis (6-0, 190) and Cleveland Villa Angela-St. Joseph four-star Bo Jackson (6-1, 190) – who also hold offers – also worked out for the Buckeyes.
With none concerned about having to pick up an offer for Ohio State, the running backs just went out and competed, and Blaylock said it was a positive experience working out alongside his peers.
“It was nice,” he said. “If you want to go to a big college you’re going to be playing with some of the best. You’ve got to see where everybody is at and where you’re at compared to everybody else. It’s good pushing each other and making each other better.”
Beyond getting the chance to work out with some of the other top running backs in his class, it was another chance for Blaylock to build his relationship with running backs coach Tony Alford, who was hands on throughout camp and offered plenty of advice to Blaylock. He said that Alford taught him to “go hard,” and that Alford “really, really knows the game.”
“We have a pretty good relationship,” Blaylock said. “He always pushes me to do better. …(It started) when I came to camp for the first time going into my ninth grade year, and since then it’s been going pretty good.”
Blaylock said the rest of his summer could include trips to Georgia and Tennessee, and potentially in-state Texas A&M, but that his visits to Ohio State have put the Buckeyes in a strong position in his recruitment.
“Being here at Ohio State has shown me they’re up here,” Blaylock said while raising his hand up. “Everything you do you’ve got to work hard at. Nothing is handed to you. They work hard here.”
