Ohio State head coach Ryan Day spoke to the media over a Zoom call Monday to discuss the updates from the Buckeyes’ spring practices. He also talked about some shifts and injuries on the defensive side of the ball, as well as some injuries impacting the team.
- On the game-winning shot by Gonzaga’s Jalen Suggs, Day called it “unbelievable.” Day also said that he had “spent a lot of time recruiting” Suggs, who was also a three-star dual-threat quarterback recruit, came to an Ohio State camp and was offered by the Buckeyes. “As a quarterback, we thought he was really athletic and said he was “glad to see it all worked out for him.”
- Day was asked about linebacker Mitchell Melton being on crutches at practice Monday, and he said it is “going to be a long-term injury,” which will make for a smaller linebacker room heading into preseason.
- When asked about linebacker Craig Young seeing reps at safety in practice, Day said he thinks “Craig has had a really good spring so far. I think he’s finding a role that he feels more comfortable at.”
- Day said guard Matthew Jones has “found a little bit of a rhythm” when playing at center this spring while Harry Miller is out.
- He said the biggest concern so far with the team is the lack of in-game experience from the younger players. “Certainly quarterback’s one. Linebacker’s another.”
- On the battle at running back, Day said that it is “too early to create a pecking order,” but that he is impressed with how they have performed so far.
- On the quarterback battle: “We’re just rotating the quarterbacks. Change it every day. Splitting up the reps every time we can.”
- Day said that wide receiver Chris Olave is still out with a non-COVID illness for spring practice.
- Day said that the younger cornerbacks “have got to step up.” He also said that they don’t have a choice, which can be a good thing because they will be needed to step up for the good of the team.
- On players being injured, Day said the team just has to push through it. “We have to be tough. We have to be physical.” He also said some of the injuries this spring have been in non-contact situations.
- Day said that he is “very excited about our interior defensive linemen.” Mentioned Antwuan Jackson and Jerron Cage as two players who have been playing their best football this spring, while also saying that he thinks Taron Vincent “has a chance to have a breakout year for us.”
- On the transfer portal, Day said he supports players who transfer, but also mentioned that it can be a slippery slope if athletes are allowed to transfer more than once without sitting out.
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