Ohio State took the practice field on Thursday for the Buckeyes’ second practice session of the spring, the second of 15 that will culminate with the spring game on April 15.
Media was able to watch warmups, a tug-of-war contest – which the offense won 6-0 – and the first 30 minutes of Ohio State’s practice. Here are a handful of observations from both sides of the ball.
Offense
Quarterbacks Kyle McCord and Devin Brown had a number of reps during the media’s viewing session, and both signal callers looked sharp in the second practice of the spring for the Buckeyes. They took part in several throwing drills, tossing to teammates and short and intermediate distances. McCord went first, followed by Brown and transfer Tristan Gebbia.
As for the receivers, some drills saw Marvin Harrison Jr. followed by Xavier Johnson, Jayden Ballard, Kojo Antwi and Reis Stocksdale, while others saw Kyion Grayes followed by Kaleb Brown, Carnell Tate and Noah Rogers. Tate was a standout during practice, hauling in several impressive catches, while the room as a whole had a solid outing.
The tight ends were not thrown to during the media’s viewing period (as far as we could see), but during individual drills, the Buckeyes went in order of Cade Stover, Gee Scott Jr., Joe Royer, Sam Hart and Patrick Gurd.
Not much of note with the running backs, who went in order of Dallan Hayden, Miyan Williams, Chip Trayanum, Will Hartson and Chase Brecht. They went through several receiving drills and also worked on ball security. TreVeyon Henderson was also seen warming up prior to practice, though he did not participate in drills.
As for the offensive line, paired drills with tackle dummies saw Ohio State go in the order of Donovan Jackson with Matthew Jones, Zen Michalski and Josh Fryar, Austin Siereveld with Miles Walker, Tegra Tshabola with Toby Wilson, Carson Hinzman with George Fitzpatrick, Ben Christman with Enokk Vimahi and Siereveld again with Victor Cutler Jr.
The lack of five-man drills make it difficult to ascertain a starting five for Ohio State on the offensive line, but the assumption remains – especially after head coach Ryan Day offered further clarification on Tuesday – that the guards will carry over from last season while Fryar will work at left tackle, Michalski and Tshabola will compete at right tackle, and some combination of Cutler, Hinzman and Jakob James – who is out for the spring – will fight to start at center.
Defense
Lathan Ransom was the first safety out in each of Ohio State’s drills, even leading the other safeties through a couple exercises after he ran them. When the group split into two lines, Josh Proctor led one while Ransom led the other.
The Jack, Ohio State’s hybrid linebacker/defensive end role, was notably absent from any drills after defensive coordinator Jim Knowles indicated Tuesday that the position would go on the backburner and not be worked much in spring practice. Jack Sawyer, who played the position last season, went through drills with the defensive ends.
Speaking of defensive linemen, last year’s sack leader and early breakout star Mike Hall Jr. appears to have slimmed down, showing quick feet and a leaner frame in pad work. Tyleik Williams appears to have added some bulk in the offseason.
At cornerback, Ole Miss transfer Davison Igbinosun’s length stands out amongst the other corners on the practice field. He stands taller than any of them with long arms. That combined with his athleticism and experience should make him a serious contender for a starting spot.
Special Teams
The great debate of Harrison at punt returner continued into Ohio State’s second spring practice, as the wideout went first followed by Ballard, Brown and Stocksdale. Tate, who took reps on Tuesday, was not out with the returners on Thursday.
The rotation at punter remained the same, with returning starter Jesse Mirco followed by kicker Jake Seibert. As of now, Mirco is the only punter listed on Ohio State’s roster.
