The Buckeyes signed running back Isaiah West out of St. Joseph’s Prep in Philadelphia where he was a three-star recruit. West committed to Kentucky in March of 2024. Two months later, however, he was offered by new Ohio State running backs coach Carlos Locklyn. He flipped his commitment to the Buckeyes one month later and signed in December.
West rushed for nearly 400 yards in a senior season that was cut short due to a knee injury. As a junior, he produced over 1,100 yards from scrimmage, proving himself productive both as a rusher and receiver. Due to his injury, West was ranked the No. 60 running back in the 247Sports Composite and the No. 731 player overall.
What To Like
Carlos Locklyn likes to tell his running backs that the days of just running the ball are long gone. In the modern era of college football, running backs also must be part of the passing game. Freshman running back Isaiah West fits that bill and in the clips below he shows just how comfortable he is at not only being an outlet, but also a first read.
West runs routes just as hard as he runs the ball — and he runs the ball pretty dang hard. As a runner, there isn’t much wasted time with West. He can get north and south quickly and he doesn’t spend too much time dancing. Rather, he gets upfield and starts looking for his next decision…