Running back Bo Jackson has left an impression on his coaches and teammates during Ohio State's preseason camp.
"His reads and the way he's hitting the hole have really shown up," Ohio State coach Ryan Day said. "He knows he's been challenged ... and based on the habits he's creating, I think we're going to see that."
Expectations are high for Jackson, who led the Buckeyes in rushing yards (1,090) and recorded touchdowns (six) last year. Still, Jackson's status entering preseason camp was in question after he underwent shoulder surgery during the offseason and missed the spring game in April.
"There was a lot of good there last year, but there was also a lot of football that we left on the field," Day said.
The uncertainty was amplified when running
back Isaiah West was seen taking the bulk of first-team reps across the first three practices.
But following several strong preseason outings from Jackson, including Ohio State's first preseason scrimmage on Aug. 16, Day believes Jackson is on track to be the Buckeyes' top running back this season.
"I think he's doing much better at the second level," Day said. "Again, it's just practice, so it doesn't matter until he puts it in a game. But if he continues to keep building and practicing and stacking these practices the way he's doing it, it's going to show up in a game, and that's going to be a big part of who we are this year."
Even West, Jackson's top competition for the starting role, was quick to acknowledge his teammate's recent improvements.
"I really started to see him take off when we got back and we put the pads on," West said. "He's extremely decisive. He's hitting it with speed, making people miss."
While Jackson will be a key factor in the running game this season, the Buckeyes are also looking to utilize more depth.
Fifth-year transfer from Florida Ja'Kobi Jackson and freshman Legend Bey are two of the top candidates to break into the rotation alongside Bo Jackson and West.
"I think [running back coach Carlos Locklyn's] plan is to make sure we have three guys available," Day said. "But so far, Bo has certainly stood out."
bmackay@dispatch.com
@brimackay15
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Why Bo Jackson continues to 'stand out' among Ohio State's running backs
