Ohio State football scored a major transfer win on Monday night when former Ole Miss running back Quinshon Judkins committed to the Buckeyes.
It very much seemed like pipe dream when he initially entered the portal, but quickly made a visit to Columbus and made a very timely social media announcement. That alone got Buckeye Nation excited but what really should do the trick is the skill set that Judkins brings with him.
Judkins has been a beat. He ran for 1,158 yards and 15 touchdowns this past year, which precluded a season where he rushed for 1,567 yards and 16 scores. After watching some of his highlights, here are five reasons to be excited for Judkins in the Ohio State offense.
Elite balance and vision
Quinshon shake… pic.twitter.com/Kn2pfQzUrl
— Cole Cubelic (@colecubelic) January 1, 2024
Why to be excited
You love backs with balance and vision, you love them even more when they are elite. Judkins brings that to the table, as he often looks like he’s stopped at the line, only to find a small crease and turn upfield. He typically doesn’t go down on first contact, which is a huge asset.
Grinding out yards
Here’s 5 minutes of Ole Miss RB Quinshon Judkins.
Reminder, he was a true freshman last season and he broke the Rebels single season rushing record (1567) but also had 17 TDs. 🍿
Get ready for season 2. pic.twitter.com/im0wXZhbEK
— College Football Alerts (@CFBAlerts_) July 13, 2023
Why to be excited
Judkins won’t really break off 80-yard runs, but he will take them in larger chunks over 20-yards. He’s so shifty, making him difficult to take down, and has a great stiff arm to give him extra room to gain yardage. Judkins knows how to get north and south, even though he can dance in the backfield.
Knows how to find pay dirt
Scoring Touchdowns wasn’t a problem for Quinshon Judkins in college:
– 17 TD in 2022
– 17 TD in 2023And it won’t be in the NFL either.
This level of short area burst and vision is what makes him a menace in the red zone. pic.twitter.com/09SqZ1tzAk
— Snoog’s Dynasty Society (@FFSnoog) January 5, 2024
Why to be excited
Over the course of two seasons in SEC play, Judkins scored 21 of his 31 rushing touchdowns in conference play. He wasn’t getting fat off lower level teams, he was doing it in one of the toughest conferences in the country. Judkins just knows how to cash in drives, giving him an added ability of knowing how to find the end zone.
Receiving threat
It really wouldn't be an Ole Miss football game without a Quinshon Judkins TD.@qaj4_ | #HottyToddy
🖥 https://t.co/WN96NRAkoX pic.twitter.com/LyWesYbxrc— Ole Miss Football (@OleMissFB) October 15, 2022
Why to be excited
Like his potential running mate, TreVeyon Henderson, Judkins is a receiving threat. He does a great job as an outlet valve for his quarterbacks, and this above skills help him move the ball when a play looks like it’s broken. Judkins will never be the focal point as a receiving back, but he can make plays when given the chance.
Elite skill players on Ohio State’s offense
Isaiah 40:31: "But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not be faint." pic.twitter.com/J89kRzsmBQ
— Quinshon Judkins (@qaj4_) January 9, 2024
Why to be excited
As mentioned before, Henderson still might share the carries with Judkins, but the duo could be in line for a huge season together. Adding in the young, but talented receivers and we very well could be seeing a similar version of the Buckeyes’ offense prior to this seasons. The addition of quarterback Will Howard who knows how to utilitize a big time back (see Deuce Howard) is also a plus. Ryan Day made some adjustments to what he needed and Ohio State is once again loaded on offense heading into the 2024 season.
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