Four-star Florida running back Jaylan Knighton announced his commitment to Florida State on Tuesday.
Just a few days ago, it was thought that Knighton — who is the No. 3 all-purpose back in the nation — was Buckeye bound. A visit to Florida State this past weekend apparently changed things.
Knighton (5-9 194) also held offers from the likes of Alabama, Oklahoma, and Miami.
To possibly make matters worse, the Buckeyes are no longer the lock they were thought to be for top running back target Bijan Robinson.
Robinson, a 5-star tailback out of Arizona, is scheduled to commit on Friday and now he is looking like a possible Texas lean.
One week ago, Ohio State’s running back class in the 2020 cycle was looking like potentially the best in the nation. Now, however, it appears they may have to go back to the drawing board.
That drawing board could include a pair of Ohio running backs.
Akron prospect DeaMonte Trayanum held an Ohio State offer, but committed to Arizona State this summer. The Buckeyes liked him a bit better on defense than offense, but perhaps now they will seem him as a more viable option on offense. Arizona State doesn’t seem concerned, however, and Trayanum is believed to be a solid commitment at this point.
Dublin Coffman all-purpose back Mike Drennen could be in the picture again. He was also at Florida State this past weekend. Stanford is also a contender here. Will Ohio State start calling again, and will Drennen be open to what they have to say?
Dallas running back EJ Smith has visited Ohio State a couple of times and could be where the Buckeyes turn next. Smith, the son of NFL Hall of Famer Emmitt Smith, is the No. 4 all-purpose back in the nation. He has good size (5-11 198) and is also a very talented pass catcher.
Ohio State was previously involved with Kendall Milton in the spring, but he committed to Georgia on Monday.
Other names will emerge, such as New Jersey 4-star running back Jalen Berger.
Ohio State signed two running backs in the 2019 class, and one of them — Marcus Crowley — didn’t really get the full-court press from the Buckeye coaches until October.
We need a change immediately.
Right back to the RUNNING backs I want most in the class. DeaMonte Trayanum and EJ Smith. If Mike Drennan wants to come on board too……..COOL.
I know that Trayanum CAN play defense, and play it very efficiently, but I just didn’t see him on defense. He’s a running back…..and that’s that.
What’s NOT to love about EJ Smith?