Caleb Downs could play safety and running back in 2024. Which Ohio State players played both ways?

If Caleb Downs takes snaps at both safety and running back in 2024, he would not be the first Ohio State player to play both offense and defense.

Ohio State coach Ryan Day said Downs has the “capability” and “athleticism” to play both positions, and has taken occasional reps at running back during individual drills in March and April’s spring practice.

“I know it’s something that he enjoys,” Day said, “having the ball in his hands.”

Could Caleb Downs play running back? Could Ohio State safety Caleb Downs also play on offense? ‘He has the capability to do it’

Here are a few key players that played both ways for the Buckeyes and found success:

Bill Willis: 1942-44

Bill Willis was a three-year starter for Ohio State on both the offensive and defensive line, standing at 6-foot-2 and 215 pounds. The two-time All-American helped led the Buckeyes to a national championship in 1942. Willis is considered the first Black starter in pro football after playing eight seasons for the Cleveland Browns from 1946-53. Willis’ No. 99 is retired at Ohio State, who the program’s “Block O” award is a tribute to.

1985 – Black and white file photo. OSU Heisman Trophy winners — Archie Griffin, Howard Cassady, Vic Janowicz and Les Horvath. Caption from the paper: Ohio State’s four Heisman Trophy winners were on hand Friday night at the Fawcett Center for Tomorrow to be honored by the SiU Fraternity in connection with Homecoming weekend. From left, Les Horvath (1944); Archie Griffin, the only two-time Heisman winner (1974-75); Howard “Hopalong” Cassady (1955), and Vic Janowicz (1950). The 1935 OSU team also held its 50th anniversary. Photo dated October 18, 1985. Used October 19, 1985. Football.

Vic Janowicz: 1949-51

Woody Hayes had Vic Janowicz play everywhere during his Ohio State career. After playing only defensive back in his first…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/caleb-downs-could-play-safety-100223571.html

Author : The Columbus Dispatch

Publish date : 2024-06-25 10:02:23

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