Ohio State Head Coach Ryan Day Speaks On Season Preparation At Big Ten Media Days

Ohio State football head coach Ryan Day spoke at the podium for the Big Ten Media Days, which were held at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.

In his 15-minutes at the podium, Day spoke on how the team is preparing for this season, specifically for Minnesota in the opening week, and how Ohio State’s experience last year will help it move forward.

In his opening statement, Day says that he is happy to have this event in Lucas Oil Stadium and that the team loves Indianapolis.
Day also noted the three players that came with him to Indianapolis – defensive end Zach Harrison, offensive tackle Thayer Munford and tight end Jeremy Ruckert – and how important those players are, both for their ability and for their leadership.
Day said that wide receiver Chris Olave was not in attendance as originally planned because he was scheduled for his second COVID-19 vaccine shot.
Day emphasized the importance to hit the ground running during the preseason. “We’re a young team. We have a young quarterback.”
Day said staying in the moment is going to be a key for this team this season. “If we can just stay on that focus, we’re going to have a chance to play in some championship games.”
Looking at Minnesota, Day said they have one of the most experienced team in the country. “It is a huge challenge.” He also said that it is a good thing that Ohio State is pretty experienced on its defensive front to counter the Gophers returning so much in their offense.
Day said that the “majority” of the team has been vaccinated. He also said that the team has left it up to the players and it is just on the team to let the players know about the risks.
Looking at the interior offensive line, Day mentioned Harry Miller’s ability to start in his second season, something that is hard to do, as well as Paris Johnson’s development as he moves to guard. He also said if there are enough good players on the line, they will roll players in the rotation.
On the name, image and likeness opportunities for Ohio State quarterbacks, and if he has any updates on who the starter will be: “If they’re worried about starting, if they’re worried about money, then they’re worried about the wrong thing.”
“You’re going to see a lot of our guys play as freshmen this year. But that’s because they’ve earned it.”
Specifically looking at freshman defensive ends Jack Sawyer and J.T. Tuimoloau, he said that they will both be seeing time with defensive line coach Larry Johnson’s preference to roll players. He did clarify that Sawyer and Tuimoloau are in different spots because Sawyer enrolled early and Tuimoloau just got there.
Day said he was proud of how defensive tackle Haskell Garrett played last season after he got shot in the face prior to the start of the season. He also said that “hopefully this year, he can take it to even the next level.”

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