Scout’s view: What to expect from Ohio State’s newest commit, running back Jordan Lyle
Already with two commitments at running back in the 2024 recruiting class, it didn’t seem like Ohio State was going to take another.
Jordan Lyle had other ideas and committed to the Buckeyes yesterday. The 6-foot,180-pound back is among the top player in the country, the No. 27 at his position and 320th overall according to the 247Sports Composite Rankings.
Lyle had an extremely impressive offer list which included Alabama, Georgia, Oregon, and others. It’s a big recruiting win for head coach Ryan Day, as he once again goes into a powerhouse recruiting state, Florida, and gets a great player.
For the best local Columbus news, sports, entertainment and culture coverage, subscribe to The Columbus Dispatch.
After watching his film, Buckeye fans should be very excited about what’s to come. Find out my scouts’ view of Ohio State’s newest commit, running back Jordan Lyle.
Inside / Outside ability
A little look at newest Ohio State running back commit Jordan Lyle. Speed, quickness, vision, and balance. pic.twitter.com/P4I40V7OrN
— Tony Gerdeman (@TonyGerdeman) April 29, 2023
Analysis
You love seeing a back that has the power to run between the tackles and speed to got to the outside and take it to the house. Lyle has both, even if his speed isn’t elite. His lateral quickness helps him find holes and gain big chunks of yards.
Balance and strength
2024 RB Jordan Lyle (@jlyle0) from St Thomas Aquinas recently put the Canes in his top 5 along with Ohio State, Bama, FSU & Georgia.
I love his mix of speed/power but his vision, balance & his ability to read defenses is also impressive too.#RNG@RyanWrightRNG
Breakdown pic.twitter.com/WmWerH6mdY
— North Fresh RNG (@NorthFreshCane) April 26, 2023
Analysis
Lyle isn’t a huge back, standing 6-feet and 180 pounds but he plays much bigger than his size. He’s a load to bring down, consistently “falling forward” while finishing his runs. It’s a great trait to have, as an extra yard here and there will really pile on at the end of the day. Lyle doesn’t go down with arm tackles, his strength will only get better as he gets older.
Nose for the end zone
St. Thomas Aquinas seizes momentum back with a 65 yard TD run by Jordan Lyle! @jlyle0 pic.twitter.com/gszaGoheJH
— SportsCenter NEXT (@SCNext) August 27, 2022
Analysis
Lyle has a nose for the end zone, it can be a long run or a short gain, he just has that knack for getting over the goal line. On just 91 carries during his junior season, he entered pay dirt 12 times. That’s an average of a score every 7.5 touches, impressive.
What to expect
Aquinas TD!
Jordan Lyle scores from 18 yards out.
Aquinas 7
Homestead 0
7:55, 1st
@jlyle0 @STA_Football pic.twitter.com/zaXhunFpKW— Jon Santucci (@JonSantucci) December 16, 2022
Career expectations
It’s so hard to know which one of the Buckeye running backs will have massive impacts, but after not taking one during the 2023 cycle, the trio makes sense. James Peoples is the star of the group, but Lyle should get plenty of opportunities, especially considering his high school, St. Thomas Aquinas, runs a very similar rushing offense as Ohio State. Lyle will be a great backup to Peoples and will have his moments when given opportunities.
[lawrence-auto-related count=5]
Contact/Follow us @BuckeyesWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Ohio State news, notes, and opinion. Follow Michael Chen on Twitter.
