The University of Northern Colorado (UNC) football program has made a significant splash this offseason by securing the commitment of Quinshon Judkins, a highly regarded running back who transferred from Ohio State. Judkins’ decision to leave the Buckeyes and join the Bears is being hailed as a major win for the UNC football team, bringing both immediate talent and long-term potential to the program. This move is expected to bolster the Bears’ offense and provide them with a much-needed playmaker in the backfield as they head into the 2024 season.
The Arrival of Quinshon Judkins
Quinshon Judkins, a 6’1″, 215-pound running back from Montgomery, Alabama, was one of the most highly sought-after transfers in the country. After spending his first two collegiate seasons at Ohio State, Judkins had developed a reputation for his versatility, vision, and ability to break tackles, making him one of the most dangerous backs in the Big Ten Conference. Despite his success in Columbus, Judkins decided to enter the transfer portal in search of more playing time and a more prominent role within a program, and the University of Northern Colorado emerged as the perfect destination.
Judkins’ decision to transfer to UNC is a massive boost for the Bears, who have been working diligently to rebuild their program and compete at a higher level within the Big Sky Conference. The addition of a player with Judkins’ pedigree will elevate the team’s offense and inject an added sense of excitement among both fans and players alike.
A Standout at Ohio State
During his tenure at Ohio State, Quinshon Judkins showcased a blend of size, speed, and power that made him a consistent contributor for the Buckeyes. Over the course of his two years with Ohio State, Judkins rushed for over 1,000 yards and scored 15 touchdowns, often making key contributions in high-profile games against elite Big Ten teams. His ability to break tackles and make defenders miss in the open field earned him praise from coaches and analysts alike, and he was considered one of the most promising young running backs in the country.
However, with Ohio State’s depth at the running back position—featuring multiple top-tier recruits—Judkins found himself in a crowded backfield. While he still managed to make an impact, he was not always the featured back, which led him to explore a new opportunity where he could take on a more prominent role. Northern Colorado, with its need for an experienced and dynamic playmaker, presented an ideal environment for Judkins to grow as a player and become the focal point of the Bears’ offense.
What Quinshon Judkins Brings to Northern Colorado
Quinshon Judkins’ arrival at Northern Colorado is a game-changer for the program. The Bears’ offense, which has struggled in recent seasons, now has a legitimate weapon in the backfield who can contribute in both the running and passing game. Judkins is known for his patience as a runner, waiting for holes to open up while also having the burst to accelerate through them. His vision and footwork make him a nightmare for defenders, and his physicality will help him wear down opposing defenses as the game progresses.
One of the most important aspects of Judkins’ skill set is his ability to make plays in the passing game. He is not just a traditional power back; he has the hands and route-running ability to catch passes out of the backfield and gain yards after the catch. This versatility will give UNC offensive coordinator Bobby Hauck plenty of options to move Judkins around the field and exploit mismatches against defenses.
Furthermore, Judkins’ leadership and experience in a high-pressure environment like Ohio State will be invaluable for Northern Colorado. His time in the Big Ten, one of the most competitive conferences in college football, has prepared him for the rigors of NCAA Division I football. His work ethic and competitive nature will set a strong example for his teammates, and his presence will help mentor younger players in the program.
Impact on Northern Colorado’s 2024 Season
Judkins’ commitment to Northern Colorado is expected to have an immediate impact on the Bears’ 2024 season. With a talented and seasoned running back like Judkins in the lineup, the Bears will have the ability to diversify their offense and compete at a higher level. Judkins’ ability to pick up yards consistently on the ground will take pressure off the passing game and give UNC’s quarterbacks more opportunities to make plays.
In addition, the running back’s ability to control the tempo of the game with his physical style will help the Bears in late-game situations when they need to grind out clock and maintain possession. A reliable ground game is often the backbone of a successful football team, and Judkins’ presence will solidify Northern Colorado’s offensive attack.
The addition of Judkins also puts the Big Sky Conference on notice. With his talent and determination, Northern Colorado could emerge as a sleeper team in the conference, potentially making a run for a postseason bid and even contending for a conference title in the near future.
The Road Ahead for Judkins and Northern Colorado
Quinshon Judkins’ decision to transfer to Northern Colorado represents a new chapter in his college football career, and the expectations surrounding his performance will be high. As he steps into the starting role for the Bears, the pressure will be on him to deliver immediately and help lead the team to success. The UNC coaching staff, led by head coach Ed McCaffrey, will undoubtedly look to maximize Judkins’ talents and make him a central part of the team’s offensive game plan.
For Northern Colorado, the signing of Judkins represents a step in the right direction as they continue to build a competitive program. While Judkins will be the focal point of the offense, the Bears will need to surround him with complementary pieces to achieve long-term success. Nonetheless, with Judkins now in the fold, Northern Colorado’s football program is poised for a brighter future, and fans can look forward to seeing a more dynamic and explosive team on the field.
As the 2024 season approaches, all eyes will be on Quinshon Judkins as he looks to make an immediate impact and lead Northern Colorado to new heights in college football. The Bears have a proven playmaker in Judkins, and his arrival could be the catalyst for a successful season ahead.
