Ohio State running back commit Sam Williams-Dixon has multiple facets to his game.
The speedy running back prides himself on his versatility, catching passes out of the backfield, finding running lanes and pass blocking. Williams-Dixon, who lined up primarily at wide receiver his sophomore season at West Holmes, looked like a natural receiver during Sunday’s Under Armour Next Camp in Obetz, Ohio, winning all of his one-on-ones and creating plenty of separation from his opponents. His performance resulted in him being named one of the camp’s MVPs from the running back group.
“It’s very important to have that skillset,” Williams-Dixon said of his pass-catching ability. “That’s a complete running back. That’s me.”
When he eventually arrives at Ohio State, Williams-Dixon said he has zero preference as to where he lines up for the Buckeyes. If asked, Williams-Dixon will take carries in the backfield, line up in the slot or outside, or do whatever else running backs coach Tony Alford asks of him.
“I’ll do whatever it takes,” Williams-Dixon said. “I want to wow the crowd and put on for my city, because I’m from Columbus, Ohio.”
Sam Williams-Dixon wins a rep in one-on-one drills. pic.twitter.com/49Q2wFThs8
— Garrick Hodge (@Garrick_Hodge) May 7, 2023
When Williams-Dixon does arrive on campus, he’ll have plenty of company. Ohio State has already completed its running back recruiting for the 2024 class, with the Buckeyes landing the commitment of three backs: Williams-Dixon, James Peoples and Jordan Lyle. Williams-Dixon said he communicates with Peoples and Lyle often and that each of the three brings something different to the table for Ohio State.
“We all have different skill sets,” Williams-Dixon said. “We know that one’s always power, we always got the receiving guy and we always have the guy that can split the defense. That’s what I think Tony Alford is trying to bring to the table. We’re trying to bring that H-back and Curtis Samuel-type thing back to the team.”
After his upcoming high school season, Williams-Dixon said he plans to enroll early at Ohio State in January and participate in spring workouts. But before he steps on campus, Williams-Dixon feels he has something to prove in his senior season.
Williams-Dixon is ranked as a three-star recruit per 247Sports’ composite rankings, and the 5-foot-11, 203-pound running back is determined to see his ranking go up by the end of the year.
“Coming out (to the Under Armour camp), I was kind of underrated,” Williams-Dixon said. “Just coming out here to show them some of what I can do against top-tier talent is what I came here to do. And that’s what I’m going to do. I’m hoping I can get that fourth star here pretty soon.”
Williams-Dixon will play his senior season at Pickerington North after transferring from West Holmes, where he’ll face more competitive teams in a higher division.
“Playing at this level will definitely get me ready for what coach Alford is looking for and what Ohio State is looking for,” Williams-Dixon said of transferring to Pickerington North.
Daryus Dixson picks up Ohio State offer
Ohio State has offered a highly-touted cornerback in the 2025 class. Four-star California prospect Daryus Dixson is the latest defensive back to earn an offer, as cornerbacks coach Tim Walton offered him on Friday.
Blessed to have received an Offer From THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY!! @ArmondSr @CoachTimWalton @MDFootball @GregBiggins @adamgorney @ChadSimmons_ @BrandonHuffman pic.twitter.com/Ocul1i032F
— Daryus Dixson (@29_daryus) May 12, 2023
The 6-foot-1, 180-pound Dixson is considered the 77th-best prospect and the ninth-rated cornerback in the 2025 class, per 247Sports’ composite rankings. He holds nearly 20 Division I offers, including Arizona, Auburn, Boston College, California, Colorado, Miami, Michigan State, Notre Dame, Oklahoma, Oregon, Oregon State, Tennessee, Texas, Texas A&M, UCLA, USC, Utah and Washington.
Tavion Wallace offered by Buckeyes
The Buckeyes also offered a standout defensive prospect on Thursday in four-star 2025 linebacker Tavion Wallace.
#AGTG Blessed to receive an offer from The Ohio State @OhioStateFB @WayneCo_FB @CoachJayboShaw @maka_difference @coachcrutch51 pic.twitter.com/SUkaWPRaFs
— Tavion Wallace (@tavion_wallace) May 11, 2023
Wallace, a 6-foot-1, 197-pound playmaker, is considered the 35th-ranked player and the fifth-rated linebacker in the 2025 class. He holds seven Division I offers, with the other six including Arizona, Boston College, Kentucky, South Carolina, Troy and UCF.
Last season, Wallace racked up 75 tackles (8.5 for loss), two sacks, three quarterback hurries, one interception, three pass deflections, three fumble recoveries and four forced fumbles.
Jaylen Key commits to Alabama
Ohio State had already been eliminated from the race of UAB safety transfer Jaylen Key earlier in the week, but he made it official on Friday after committing to Alabama.
Blessed Beyond Measure ,Lets Work @Coach_TRob @Hayesfawcett3 @AlabamaFTBL #rtr #committed pic.twitter.com/6SMOesxIyv
— Jaylen Key (@Jaylen_Key) May 12, 2023
Key had scheduled an Ohio State visit for this week shortly after entering the transfer portal, but never ended up visiting Columbus. As it stands, the Buckeyes’ roster is likely set for the 2023 season but the program currently has 87 scholarship players, two over the NCAA limit of 85, so it will need to be at 85 by the end of fall camp.
