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The Ohio State Buckeyes have a long and storied tradition of producing elite football talent, particularly at the running back position. From Archie Griffin, who won two Heisman Trophies, to Ezekiel Elliott, a national champion and NFL standout, Ohio State has been a factory for top-tier rushers. In 2025, the Buckeyes appear to have another budding star in the backfield in James Peoples, a dynamic and highly talented running back who has already started to draw comparisons to one of the NFL’s rising stars—Los Angeles Chargers’ J.K. Dobbins.

Dobbins, a former Ohio State standout himself, has been one of the most impressive young running backs in the NFL since being drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in 2020. After a somewhat slow start due to injuries, he’s quickly developed into a central figure in the Ravens’ offense. The fact that Dobbins’ name is being invoked when discussing Peoples is a testament to the impressive physical tools, vision, and potential that the young Ohio State back possesses. But what exactly is it about James Peoples’ game that has drawn such comparisons to Dobbins?

### A New Wave of Ohio State Running Backs

Ohio State has always been known for producing high-level talent at the running back position, and in 2025, the Buckeyes look like they may have another gem in Peoples. Hailing from Texas, Peoples is an explosive, versatile back who is capable of changing the game with his speed, vision, and ability to break tackles. But what sets him apart, and why are so many observers making the connection to Dobbins?

First, let’s look at how Peoples’ game mirrors Dobbins’ strengths. For one, both running backs excel in vision and patience behind the line of scrimmage. Much like Dobbins, Peoples has an innate ability to read the defense and let the play develop before accelerating through the hole. Whether it’s waiting for a blocker to set up or recognizing the perfect cutback lane, both players share a similar football IQ when it comes to identifying the right moment to strike.

Peoples’ speed and burst also draw direct comparisons to Dobbins. The ability to quickly change direction and accelerate from a standstill is one of the most important attributes for any running back, and both players have this trait in spades. Dobbins made a name for himself at Ohio State with his ability to explode out of the backfield, and Peoples, much like Dobbins, has demonstrated the same ability to hit the open field and outrun defenders.

Another striking similarity is how both running backs can impact the game in a variety of ways. Dobbins is known not just for his rushing yards but also for his ability to catch passes out of the backfield, contributing to the Ravens’ passing attack. Peoples has shown a similar versatility at Ohio State, where he has proven himself as a reliable option in the passing game, catching passes and picking up yards in space. This ability to function as a dual-threat back makes both Dobbins and Peoples dangerous weapons in any offensive scheme.

### The Physical Similarities: Size, Speed, and Explosiveness

At 5’10” and 210 pounds, James Peoples is built similarly to Dobbins, who stands at 5’10” and weighs 219 pounds. Both have a well-balanced, compact frame that allows them to accelerate quickly and break tackles. Neither is the biggest back on the field, but they make up for it with a combination of strength, agility, and explosion. When you watch both players hit the hole or break to the outside, you see that they use their compact frame to their advantage, staying low to the ground and utilizing their center of gravity to power through would-be tacklers.

Speed and burst are also key elements of both players’ skill sets. Peoples has been clocked at a sub-4.4 second 40-yard dash, which is an elite time for any running back. Combine that with his ability to change direction quickly, and you can see why he’s such a dangerous weapon on the field. Dobbins has similarly displayed incredible burst and acceleration, which helped him rack up over 2,000 rushing yards in his final season at Ohio State. These physical similarities, combined with their shared style of running, make it clear why Dobbins and Peoples are being compared.

But it’s not just the raw athleticism that draws comparisons. Both running backs possess excellent balance and vision, especially in tight spaces. Peoples, like Dobbins, seems to be able to maneuver around defenders effortlessly, keeping his legs churning to gain extra yardage after contact. This ability to continue moving forward, even when tackled, is a hallmark of an elite running back and is something both players share in abundance.

### The Football IQ: Patience and Vision

One of the most critical elements of any great running back is the ability to read the defense and make the right decision in the heat of the moment. Dobbins was known at Ohio State for his exceptional vision—his ability to wait for his blockers to set up the perfect lanes before accelerating through them. Peoples, too, has shown that he possesses this rare quality.

Watching Peoples play, you often see him wait behind his offensive line, letting the blocks develop before hitting the hole with explosive speed. He has an uncanny knack for finding the open lane, whether it’s taking the ball to the outside or cutting back inside when the defense overcommits to one side. This combination of patience and vision is something that sets elite running backs apart, and it’s what has made Dobbins so successful at the professional level.

For both players, it’s not just about physical ability but about understanding the flow of the game and making decisions that will maximize yardage. Whether it’s choosing to follow a pulling guard or trusting his instincts to cut back across the grain, Peoples shows a maturity and intelligence that mirrors Dobbins’ playstyle.

### The Future of James Peoples: A Rising Star

As we look toward the future, there’s little doubt that James Peoples has the potential to continue Ohio State’s running back legacy. Like Dobbins, he has all the tools necessary to make an immediate impact at the college level, and if he continues to develop his skills, he could find himself in the NFL someday, following in Dobbins’ footsteps.

Peoples has already shown flashes of brilliance in his first few seasons at Ohio State, and as he grows into a more seasoned player, his role in the Buckeyes’ offense is only going to expand. Whether he is taking handoffs, running routes, or simply creating opportunities with his vision and agility, Peoples is a back that can change the course of a game.

As comparisons to J.K. Dobbins continue to surface, it’s clear that Ohio State fans are hoping for another chapter in their storied history of elite running backs. Dobbins himself has made an immediate impact in the NFL, and if Peoples can follow that same trajectory, he too could become a household name in the coming years. Whether he’s dominating on the college gridiron or making his mark in the pros, James Peoples looks like he’s on the path to greatness—and the comparisons to J.K. Dobbins are just the beginning.

### Conclusion

As James Peoples continues his rise at Ohio State, comparisons to NFL standout J.K. Dobbins are likely to follow him. With similar physical traits, playing styles, and football IQ, it’s easy to see why the two backs are often mentioned in the same breath. Peoples has the potential to continue Ohio State’s tradition of elite running backs, and if his development mirrors that of Dobbins, there’s a bright future ahead for him. Whether it’s in the Big Ten or the NFL, James Peoples is a name to watch—one that could soon be as synonymous with success as the name “Dobbins” has become.