Monday’s press conference may have been the most contentment Ryan Day has expressed in his offensive line this offseason.
Clear leaders have emerged at the team’s three open spots. Day doesn’t feel as concerned anymore about who will be their backups. Generally, there was a more confident candor to Day’s words when he talked about the front five.
“In a situation where we felt like we were thin on the O-line, you turn around after a few months and feel like we have some decent depth,” Day said.
So while the Buckeyes’ starting quarterback is still yet to be determined, the starting group who will be blocking for him has taken shape alongside incumbent starting guards Donovan Jackson and Matt Jones.
Beginning at center, redshirt freshman Carson Hinzman appeared to be the leading candidate throughout the offseason based on practices open to the media. There’s now official word from Day that he’s the frontrunner at the spot, though transfer acquisition Vic Cutler Jr. remains in the running.
“Coming out of camp, Carson’s a little ahead of Vic,” Day said. “But that will keep working for the next couple of weeks, they’ll keep going at it in practice, we’ll keep evaluating.”
Day confirmed Josh – who he says does in fact want to be called Josh, not Jimmy –Simmons is in line to be the starter at left tackle right now, completing his transition from San Diego State to Ohio State and upping his play accordingly. The tools are there for Simmons to be exceptional, Day feels, but it’s a matter of refinement.
“Ability, off the charts. Talent, off the charts, it just jumps out,” Day said. “Movement, strength, just needs more and more reps. Needs to keep playing, but has a chance to be as good as he wants to be.”
“In a situation where we felt like we were thin on the o-line, you turn around after a few months and feel like we have some decent depth.”– Ryan Day
Josh Fryar will take the field first at right tackle against Indiana to open the 2023 campaign, but he’s been pushed at the position by freshman Luke Montgomery. Montgomery has already surpassed redshirt freshman Tegra Tshabola and redshirt sophomore Zen Michalski on the depth chart.
“Luke Montgomery is going to play football this year,” Day said. “He’s got a lot of talent, he has shown that he can compete as a freshman and we’re very excited about him.”
It’s rare for a freshman offensive tackle to be pushing for playing time. In fact, no freshman has started at the position for Ohio State since Orlando Pace in 1994. Placing Montgomery out at tight end in goal line and short-yardage situations could be an option for him to see the field, though Day said the team already has a good group of tight ends.
“Those are the types of things we’re looking for to get Luke involved,” Day said. “He’s done a nice job and everything you invest in Luke you’re going to get back down the road.”
Guard Enokk Vimahi is still pushing for playing time as well, Day said.
A clean pocket will go a long way in the success of either Kyle McCord or Devin Brown when the Buckeyes do decide on a starter under center, and Day said Monday that the progress of the offensive line has been one of the most pleasant surprises of the preseason so far.
