Ohio State opened up a portion of practice for the second and final time Thursday before this weekend’s College Football Playoff semifinal matchup at the Peach Bowl.
Media members were on hand for warmups and three subsequent periods of action at Mercedes-Benz Stadium as Ohio State did work with multiple special teams units, got some individuals drills in and had members of the third-string offense go 11-on-11 against the scout team defense in non-tackling scrimmage reps. The media was ushered out before any live first- or second-team reps commenced at practice.
Perhaps the most significant news of the day was the return of Miyan Williams, who missed his scheduled interview slot on Tuesday, was absent for Wednesday’s open practice viewing window and was not present at Thursday’s Ohio State media day. Tony Alford said Thursday that Williams is dealing with a stomach bug but is expected to be available in Saturday’s College Football Playoff semifinal matchup against Georgia.
Miyan Williams going through RB drills with Tony Alford and co. pic.twitter.com/6VduIETnlf
— Griffin Strom (@GriffinStrom3) December 29, 2022
While not as pertinent for the forthcoming contest, Devin Brown produced the highlight of the 15-minute viewing window as the freshman quarterback operated Ohio State’s third unit on offense against a scout team squad on defense. Brown saw extended action under center without any rotation at quarterback and eventually hit fellow freshman wideout Kyion Grayes on an accurate, high-arcing long bomb in tight coverage for a touchdown of at least 50 yards.
Brown’s entire offensive line was comprised of scout-teamers wearing black jerseys, but joining him and Grayes were freshmen wideouts Caleb Burton and Kaleb Brown, freshman tight end Bennett Christian, second-year tight end Sam Hart and walk-on running back Cayden Saunders. Beyond a few standout pass completions, Brown also ran several quarterback run plays during the practice period.
Devin Brown completes to Caleb Burton along the sideline in 11 on 11 during OSU practice: pic.twitter.com/VZ3r94vsZi
— Griffin Strom (@GriffinStrom3) December 29, 2022
The defense during the 11-on-11 period consisted mostly of scout team players. Still, those not wearing black scout team jerseys included freshmen Caden Curry, C.J. Hicks and Ryan Turner, as well as fourth-year defensive lineman Jaden McKenzie.
More quick notes from Thursday’s practice session:
- TreVeyon Henderson, who was not spotted at Wednesday’s open practice session, was present Thursday and watched running back drills on the field while wearing a boot. Henderson, who had surgery after the regular season, did not appear able to put contact on his injured leg as he supported it on a hands-free crutch to walk.
TreVeyon Henderson watching practice in a boot: pic.twitter.com/0i91KRhB2h
— Griffin Strom (@GriffinStrom3) December 29, 2022
- Gee Scott Jr. was in uniform but stood off on the sideline and did not participate in drills during the open viewing window.
- For the second straight day of practice, Kamryn Babb was not in uniform and did not participate in drills as he stood on the sideline.
- After appearing at Ohio State practice Wednesday, Fairburn, Georgia, native and recent 2023 signee Jelani Thurman was back at training again Thursday to watch the Buckeyes prepare for the Peach Bowl.
Practice underway for OSU. Miyan Williams is here today. 2023 signee Jelani Thurman is back to watch practice for the second straight day. pic.twitter.com/ZMGCJaB2nK
— Griffin Strom (@GriffinStrom3) December 29, 2022
