Following the 17th practice of the Buckeyes' preseason schedule Monday, Ohio State head coach Ryan Day addressed the media for the second time in the past three days.
After naming six captains and redshirt freshman quarterback C.J. Stroud the team's new starter under center on Saturday, Day discussed the safety and linebacker positions as well as special teams developments on Monday, among other things.
Here's a quick breakdown of what Day had to say:
- Day says the Buckeyes are not changing philosophically as far as the safety position goes this season.
- Marcus Hooker made a "really bad mistake," and has a zero-tolerance policy moving forward after this offseason's OVI arrest.
- Day says the depth at safety is "much further along" than past years.
- Ryan Batsch could make the travel team and play on special teams this season.
- "He's a different player with 15 extra pounds," Day said about senior safety Josh Proctor.
- Matt Jones is "in the mix" on the offensive line, but Day said the Buckeyes are "pretty close" to being settled with their starting five up front.
- Day says the trip to Canton last week was a "great change of pace" during camp.
- On special teams, Day said the Buckeyes feel "really good" about punter Jesse Mirco, but wish Noah Ruggles and Jake Seibert were more consistent kicking field goals.
- Players who are not vaccinated have to get tested twice a week by the university. Day said there are only about 10 Buckeyes who are not.
- Day said Teradja Mitchell is one linebacker that he is sure will play a lot this season for Ohio State.
- Ohio State is still waiting to hear from the NCAA about Palaie Gaoteote's eligibility situation.
- Day says he would be nervous if the Minnesota game was tomorrow, but thinks Ohio State has a chance to be a really good team this season.
