Tag: Shawn Lodge

Ohio State football adds transfer return specialist

The Buckeyes have found their main return man. #GoBucks

We all know Ohio State football has had recent struggles with its return game, but it may have figured out a solution this offseason.

When Alabama safety Caleb Downs transferred in, he was viewed as an option, although not one that would return the majority of kickoffs or punts. Jayden Ballard handled some of the duties last season, but there were plenty of yards left on the table.

As a team, Ohio State averaged 4.4 yards-per-punt return and 19.9 yards on its kickoffs. That’s where Presbyterian transfer, [autotag]Shawn Lodge[/autotag], enters the picture as a walk-on. The Akron, Ohio, native committed to the Buckeyes on Friday, giving them another option in the return game.

Don’t expect to see much of him lining up a wide receiver, as his role will be mainly in the return game.

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Ohio State football offers transfer portal return specialist

The Buckeyes are looking for a special teams boost. #GoBucks

The drought for Ohio State football special teams returning any change of possession has become alarming.

The last time the Buckeyes returned a kickoff for a score was in 2010 and a punt was in 2014. It seems absurd to think that a team that has had so many talented players come through its doors would have such an issue, but here we are.

It seems like Ohio State still might not feel comfortable with who it has as a returner, which is why a preferred walk-on offer went out to Presbyterian College transfer, [autotag]Shawn Lodge[/autotag]. The Ohio native showed during his freshman season that he has the ability to be a threat as a return man.

We all know that Buckeye offensive coordinator Brian Hartline doesn’t take receiver transfers, so the offer to Lodge is all about what he can do on special teams.

Contact/Follow @BuckeyesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Ohio State news, notes and opinion. Follow Michael Chen on X.