Hear From Ryan Day Following Ohio State’s First Fall Practice

Ohio State opened fall camp on Friday morning, giving the media its first glimpse at the 2019 team. After practice, head coach Ryan Day talked for roughly 15 minutes about his early observations, the quarterback battle, offensive line depth and other notes.

Here’s a brief recap of what he had to say:

Day said it was “good to get everybody out there and start football again.” Added today’s practice was about “effort, technique … those kinds of things.”
Day said the Buckeyes need to be tough physically, mentally and emotionally.
Day said he feels “as good as (he’s) felt in the last couple years in terms of our depth” along the offensive line.” Added there are eight or nine players who can play, but they’ll separate themselves once pads go on.
Day said Ohio State needs to be both the toughest defense and the best at tackling to win the conference.
Starting offensive tackle Thayer Mumford began practice working with the second-team offense today. Day said the Buckeyes are going to rotate players this fall to get them experience, regardless of position.
Day believes the Buckeyes “have something to prove” this season.
Day acknowledged last season was atypical with the Zach Smith fiasco and Urban Meyer’s suspension, but this year is more of a “typical preseason.”
Day feels good about where the team is schematically, but is looking forward to putting it into action.
Day believes last year’s interim coaching sting helps him navigate fall camp this year. He’s a first-year coach, but has been through this all before.
Day said no decision has been made on the quarterback battle, as expected. Believes depth chart will sort itself out after a few weeks, but the plan is to get two or three quarterbacks ready to start “because you don’t know what’s going to happen (injury-wise).”
Day said he was impressed with Kentucky quarterback transfer Gunnar Hook after the first practice. Believes some game experience with Wildcats was beneficial.
Day suggested Ohio State will have somewhere between one and five team captains this year. Players will vote in a few weeks, but coaches will ultimately decide the number.
Day said someone has to step up at running back behind starter J.K. Dobbins. “We’re not just going to put J.K. out there because don’t have someone behind him.”
Day on Buckeyes’ coaches poll ranking (No. 5): “Truth be told, we haven’t done anything.” Said it really matters at the end of the year.
Day, a former college quarterback at New Hampshire, was once a team captain. “It’s one of those things you remember.”
Day on importance of renovated facilities. “It’s huge for us. It’s really catapulting us in recruiting.” When it comes to current players, “we want them to feel like this is their home.”