Ohio State Freshman Bo Jackson Surprises with Explosive Performance

COLUMBUS, Ohio — When Bo Jackson arrived at Villa Angela-St. Joseph High School in Cleveland, coach Jeff Rotsky already knew him well. Jackson’s two older brothers, Ty and Omari, played for Rotsky, and the coach watched closely as Bo dominated the peewee fields at just 8 years old. “He was special,” Rotsky said.

But before Jackson began to dominate the Cleveland high school football scene as a versatile running back and defensive back for the Vikings, he was just a freshman looking for a chance to play. Rotsky decided to ease Jackson into the game, initially utilizing him on special teams and increasing his carries as the season progressed. “It was never physical,” Rotsky said. “It was just, you know, just like a father would with a son, you want to make sure he’s ready.”

As has become common with Jackson, he progressed faster than expected. After just a few weeks, it was clear that Rotsky had a game-changing running back in Jackson, prompting the coach to insert him into the starting lineup ahead of schedule.

This season at Ohio State, Jackson’s rise mirrors his high school days. The Buckeyes entered the season with two primary running backs, James Peoples and CJ Donaldson. Peoples returned from last year’s national championship team, although he carried the ball only 49 times last season. Donaldson, a West Virginia transfer, was expected to add power to the running game.

Initially projected for special teams during his true freshman season, Jackson had other plans. His breakthrough came in Week 2 during a 70-0 win over Grambling, where he rushed for 108 yards on nine carries. He followed this performance with another 109 yards against Ohio.

Jackson’s standout moment occurred the following week against Washington when he rushed for 80 yards on 17 carries. “It’s exciting to watch him,” Rotsky remarked. “I think he’s worked very hard, and hopefully, he’ll continue to be one of the lead backs at Ohio State.”

Unlike last year’s explosive duo of Quinshon Judkins and TreVeyon Henderson, Ohio State’s current veteran backs lack speed. Jackson brings that dynamic. He recorded the Buckeyes’ longest run of the season at 64 yards and averages 8.5 yards per carry.

Jackson’s agility caught coach Ryan Day‘s attention during recruitment, and it has continued to shine this season. Against Washington, he demonstrated impressive balance with a notable 12-yard run, where he managed to gain extra yards after being hit by multiple defenders.

According to TruMedia, he leads the Buckeyes in yards after contact with 6.49 yards, a figure skewed by significant post-contact yards on his longer runs. While Ohio State aims to keep Peoples and Donaldson involved, Jackson’s swift development has the coaching staff eager to increase his playing time.

<p“I think every day we are trying to add more to his plate and see what he can handle,” Day stated. “You are starting to see him grow and learn with every rep, and that’s what is exciting.”

Day typically avoids comparisons, but noted similarities between Jackson’s journey and that of Henderson, who also experienced challenges before finding success. “The more they play, the better off they’re going to be,” Day said.

The excitement around Jackson remains high. His performance on the field captures attention, and fans are eager for him to receive more carries. However, Jackson’s focus remains on the grind. “You could find him every Sunday running the big McDonald’s hill by where he lives,” Rotsky said. “When nobody else is watching, that’s when the best people get it done.”