While Ohio State’s 2019 class might not be wrapped up just yet, first-year head coach Ryan Day had his program off to a strong start Wednesday afternoon.
The Buckeyes added four-star Kahuku, Hawaii, offensive guard Enokk Vimahi on National Signing Day, providing a huge boost at a position of need. Day met with the media in Columbus shortly after Vimahi’s announcement, providing isight into the 2019 class while the Buckeyes waited on a final decision from Indianapolis Ben Davis three-star offensive tackle Dawand Jones, who is set to announce his college destination at 6:30 p.m.
Here are the key notes and quotes from Day’s signing day press conference.
Ryan Day Updates
- Day said the Buckeyes are “waiting on one more later today to make it 85.”
- He said the biggest challenge was making sure new staffers were building relationships with the 2019 recruits, even the ones who had already signed on. Next stop was to get going for the 2020 cycle.
- He said his approach to potential transfers coming in is “ever evolving.” Buckeyes have already brought in one quarterback as a transfer (Justin Fields) this year. Day noted that Fields is a great fit. “We’re excited about him.”
- Day said Fields has done a “nice job so far.” Needs to make sure he’s getting acclimated before competing with Matthew Baldwin for the starting spot this spring.
- The coach called early enrollee wideout Garrett Wilson “magnetic.” Noted Wilson has potential “through the roof” and is now getting a chance to focus solely on football after also playing basketball throughout his high school career.
- Day said Urban Meyer will still be involved with Real Life Wednesdays and academic programs in addition to being a key resource for Day himself.
- In regard to Vimahi, Day said “we wouldn’t just go out to Hawaii if it wasn’t a good fit. It was.” Vimahi has planned to play for one year before taking two-year mission trip, which Day said Ohio State would support if that ends up being the player’s decision.
- Day stressed that he’s going to continue putting an emphasis on recruiting Ohio offensive linemen and Ohio prospects in general. The Buckeyes have already extended offers to a number of in-state sophomores.
- He said the playbook is generally the same, but the plays emphasized depend on who the quarterback is and what their skillset is.
- Day said the NCAA waiver process is “one of those things you have to deal with.” Buckeyes are still waiting to find out if Fields will be eligible in 2019. He said positive news in regard to the waiver would mean Ohio State has the depth it needs at QB, but Day would still prefer to have a fourth as well.
- On Tate Martell: “Obviously we wish him nothing but the best. Disappointed to see him leave but he’ll have a good career.”
- On Corey Dennis: “His expertise at the quarterback position is growing every year.”
- Day listed three-star athlete Craig Young with the linebackers.
- He said he called Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh in regard to hiring Michigan assistants Greg Mattison and Al Washington, who are now on Ohio State’s staff. Noted that he didn’t previously have much relationship with Harbaugh.
- Day said he’d be in favor of an NCAA policy that would limit schools to two incoming transfers per year.
