‘This is where I want to be.’ Why star RB Quinshon Junkins transferred to Ohio State

The timing of Quinshon Judkins’ commitment to Ohio State wasn’t totally planned.

It also wasn’t coincidental.

Judkins, a two-time All-Southeastern Conference running back at Mississippi, posted on X (formerly Twitter) at 11:13 p.m. on Jan. 8 that he would transfer to Ohio State.

Jan 30, 2024; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Ohio State University football transfer Quinshon Judkins talks with the Columbus media during his first sit-down interview since transferring.

That was two minutes after Michigan’s 34-13 victory over Washington in the College Football Playoff title game ended. For most Ohio State fans, it was like a big lollipop after a painful trip to the doctor.

“I think just at that moment, I was like, ‘Let’s make it happen, especially when the team up north won,’” Judkins said Tuesday. “I was like, ‘This is where I want to be. I’ll put it out.’”

Judkins is part of a transfer group that includes quarterback Will Howard (Kansas State), safety Caleb Downs (Alabama) and center Seth McLaughlin (Alabama) that could help Ohio State over the hump as it pursues Big Ten and national titles.

The high expectations are what attracted Judkins to Ohio State, though he is a native Mississippian who’d never been to Ohio.

More: Here are 5 things we learned about Ohio State football’s new transfers

Asked why he decided to become a Buckeye, Judkins replied, “Why not Ohio State? A place with great culture, the best coaches, the best players, the best fan base that’s very passionate about their team. That was my reasoning.”

Judkins was a workhorse in his two seasons at Ole Miss. He had 545 carries in 26 games. At Ohio State, he’ll share the load with TreVeyon Henderson, a star in his own right.

Such arrangements have come into vogue in both college and NFL. Judkins finds that appealing. His long-term future probably…


Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/where-want-why-star-rb-223612426.html

Author : The Columbus Dispatch

Publish date : 2024-01-30 22:36:12

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