**Major Coaching Move: Ohio State Buckeyes Secure Carlos Locklyn from Oregon Ducks as Running Backs Coach**
In a surprising coaching development, the Ohio State Buckeyes have made a significant addition to their staff by bringing on Carlos Locklyn, formerly of the Oregon Ducks, to coach their running backs. This move marks a notable shakeup in the coaching landscape of college football, particularly as it unfolds in the usually quiet month of April.
According to reports from ESPN’s Pete Thamel, Ohio State finalized an agreement with Carlos Locklyn, who had been serving as part of the coaching staff at Oregon under head coach Dan Lanning for the past two seasons. Locklyn’s transition to Ohio State comes at a crucial time for the Buckeyes, who were in need of a new running backs coach following the departure of Tony Alford, who took a position with rival Michigan in March.
Locklyn’s arrival at Ohio State comes with a strong track record and a wealth of experience. During his tenure at Oregon, Locklyn played a pivotal role in developing the Ducks’ running game, notably guiding standout running back Bucky Irving to consecutive seasons with over 1,000 rushing yards. Irving’s exceptional performance earned him First-Team All-PAC 12 honors and positioned him as one of the top prospects in the upcoming 2024 NFL Draft.
Before his time at Oregon, Locklyn’s coaching journey included successful stints at various levels of the game. Notably, he previously worked with head coach Mike Norvell during his tenure at both Florida State and Memphis. Locklyn’s roles ranged from Director of High School Relations to offensive analyst, showcasing his versatility and adaptability within coaching staffs.
Locklyn’s relationship with Norvell traces back to his time at Memphis, where he initially joined as a weight room assistant in 2017 before steadily climbing the ranks within the coaching staff. His contributions and dedication eventually led to his appointment as Director of High School Relations, a position that further solidified his credentials within collegiate football circles.
Prior to his transition to the college ranks, Locklyn honed his coaching skills over nearly a decade in high school football, serving as an offensive coordinator at several prominent institutions in Tennessee. His extensive experience at the high school level equipped him with valuable insights and expertise that he has since leveraged in his collegiate coaching career.
The addition of Carlos Locklyn to the Ohio State coaching staff represents a significant coup for the Buckeyes as they seek to maintain their competitive edge in the ever-challenging landscape of college football. Locklyn’s proven track record of player development and his well-rounded coaching background make him a valuable asset to the program as they prepare for the upcoming season.
As the Buckeyes gear up for the challenges ahead, the acquisition of Locklyn underscores their commitment to excellence and their relentless pursuit of success on the gridiron. With Locklyn’s expertise now in their corner, Ohio State looks poised to continue their tradition of dominance in college football and compete at the highest level in the seasons to come.
