Ohio State running back Bo Jackson never even thought about leaving Ohio State this offseason.
Ohio State running back Bo Jackson is coming off a very impressive freshman campaign. It took him a couple of weeks to win the starting spot, but once he did, he never looked back.
Jackson finished the year with 1,090 yards on 179 carries, good for six touchdowns. On the year, Jackson averaged 6.1 yards per carry and showed that he could be a legitimate piece for many years to come in Columbus.
In the old days of college football, that would have been the expectation, and the program would have had something to be excited about. In today's day and age, all of these players are just unrestricted free agents, so there is always a concern about a player being poached.
That was a major threat to Jackson because Ohio State had to pay up pretty significantly this offseason. Pretty much everyone who returned was going to require a raise.
Some of those raises were going to be hefty ones for Julian Sayin, Jeremiah Smith, and the entire offensive line, who were returning.
All of those players, in terms of football value, come before a running back. This was a prime offseason, especially after Jackson's very good freshman season, for him to get a raise, but on another roster.
Jackson was asked about this at Spring Practice, and he responded by saying that it "wasn't a hard decision" to make. He doubled down by saying that Ohio State is "where (he) wants to be."
Jackson is the head of the snake in the Buckeyes running back room. He is the lead horse, followed closely by classmate Isaiah West, who showed promise, and then newcomer Legend Bey, who is turning some heads.
Together, these three players are making up what is a very important position group for the Buckeyes next year.
Thankfully, they should be at full strength with all three of them ready to go when the ball is kicked off next season.
Jackson has spent his entire football career in Ohio. He played his high school ball up I71 in Cleveland at Villa Angela St. Joseph's before coming to Ohio State. If Jackson were to have it his way, he would finish his career just as he started it, in Ohio.
He survives in Columbus for his second year, and it could be one of the best years that we see out of an Ohio State running back if he reaches his potential.
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