Could Ohio State Try to Steal Texas RB Coach Tashard Choice?

The Ohio State Buckeyes just lost their running backs coach to Michigan, and one 247Sports analyst believes Texas Longhorns coach Tashard Choice could be the answer.

Ohio State's running backs coach Tony Alford made an unexpected decision on Wednesday, departing Columbus after nine seasons. He will now assume a similar role with the Michigan Wolverines staff in Ann Arbor.

Amidst much anticipation, speculation swirls around who Ohio State will choose as Tony Alford's replacement. According to 247Sports, turning to Texas for a potential candidate is one avenue to be explored. 

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"My first call would be Tashard Choice at Texas," 247Sports analyst Cooper Patenga said. "I think it would be very difficult to pluck Tashard Choice out of Austin. That being said, you're Ohio State, and if they have the same kind of alignment that they have shown on the recruiting trail when it comes to coaching acquisition... that would be my first call."

After his six-year NFL career, Tashard Choice transitioned into coaching. Over the last two seasons as Texas' running backs coach, Bijan Robinson ranked sixth in yards per game in 2022, while Jonathon Brooks ranked 12th.

In recent cycles, Choice has made a name for himself in recruiting top tier talent at the running back position. 

Texas Longhorns running backs coach Choice was recently named the Rivals Big 12 Recruiter of the Year for his success in landing two consensus four-star running backs in the 2024 class. 

Following his achievement of securing the top running back recruit in the 2023 class, Choice continued his momentum by focusing on out-of-state prospects, successfully recruiting Jerrick Gibson from Bradenton (Fla.) IMG Academy and Christian Clark from Phoenix (Ariz.) Mountain Pointe.

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Choice's adeptness in forming connections with young players is striking, making him an attractive prospect for Ohio State. This skillset could be particularly enticing for the program as they seek to bolster their coaching staff and replace a big loss in Alford.