Bo Jackson Believes Every Play Has “home Run Potential,” Eddrick Houston Putting in Extra Work to Improve

Ohio State’s Running Backs and Defensive Tackles Reflect on Their Seasons

In this week’s media interviews, Ohio State’s running backs and defensive tackles discussed their experiences during the 2023 season. Bo Jackson, Isaiah West, James Peoples, Eddrick Houston, and Will Smith Jr. shared insights into their roles, growth, and the team’s overall dynamics.

Bo Jackson: Confidence in Making Big Plays

Rookie running back Bo Jackson expressed confidence in his ability to make big plays during an interview at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center on Wednesday. Jackson emphasized that he feels every play has “home run potential,” indicating his belief in his capabilities as a player.

“I feel like there’s always home run potential… I feel like I always got that potential to make big plays.” – Bo Jackson

When asked about his breakout freshman season, Jackson acknowledged the challenges but remained focused on improvement. He stated that he takes pride in his toughness and views it as an area where he needs to work on further refining his game.

Isaiah West: Complementing Bo Jackson

Isaiah West, another running back, highlighted how he and Bo Jackson complement each other. West described Jackson as a “slasher” who can create big plays at any moment. He emphasized the importance of rotating between the two to control the pace of the game.

“Bo, he’s a slasher.

You put him in, big play at any moment. Then you put me in to switch it up, I feel like that controls the pace of the game and it keeps us two fresh.” – Isaiah West

West also mentioned his relationship with Jackson, noting how their bond is strengthening as they spend more time together. He praised running backs coach Carlos Locklyn for keeping players accountable while maintaining a real connection from high school.

James Peoples: Embracing the Running Back Rotation

Rookie James Peoples discussed his mindset and approach to contributing to the team despite being in a four-man running back rotation. Peoples expressed hunger to be a contributor and stated that he gives it his all every time he is on the field.

“I’m hungry for it, man. I came here and I want to be a contributor to this team, of course.

So every time I’m in there, I’m gonna give it my all.” – James Peoples

Peoples believes that Ohio State has done well by using the running backs to their strengths. He highlighted his work on making everything in his game a strength and expressed satisfaction with the four-man rotation.

Eddrick Houston: Putting in Extra Work

Defensive tackle Eddrick Houston shared how he has improved through extra work after practice. Houston emphasized that there is always room for improvement, and he takes advantage of additional time with different coaches to focus on his weaknesses.

“Just being able to take on that role, listen to the coaches, because that comes with a lot. Being able to listen to the coaches and them being able to help me out with whatever I need really helped me through this process.” – Eddrick Houston

Houston also noted his teammates’ motivation and how Coach Larry Johnson’s “King Kong mentality” has pushed him to be better. He believes that Johnson’s willingness to help and always having an open door have been instrumental in his growth.

Will Smith Jr.: Motivation from Team Goals

Defensive tackle Will Smith Jr. discussed the motivation he and other defensive tackles received from public conversations about their position group. Smith emphasized that while there is a lot of talk out there, it serves as a motivator to prove themselves on the field.

“There’s a lot of talk out there and sometimes it’s hard to block it all out. So it’s definitely a big motivating factor for me, I feel like, and I know for Eddrick, K-Mac and Tywon and everybody else, it’s just like, we need to put ourselves on the map and we need to show people who we are.” – Will Smith Jr.

Smith shared that his confidence has grown this season, and he feels stronger both physically and mentally. He praised Eddrick Houston for his hustle and described their relationship as one of mutual respect and improvement in performance.

Conclusion

The media interviews revealed the commitment and growth of Ohio State’s running backs and defensive tackles during the 2023 season. Each player highlighted areas where they are improving and how they support each other, contributing to the team’s overall success.