In his final press conference before Akron Game Week, Ryan Day addressed several topics at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center.
From calling Sonny Styles the "leader in the clubhouse" to start at Will linebacker to naming Nick McLarty the Buckeyes' starting punter, here are all the news and notes from the head coach's "Lightning Round" on Thursday:
- Day said Ohio State won't have all of its questions answered after the preseason, but it can make assumptions based on how the preseason went day after day and week after week. "There's been an edge to our team. ... We'll keep grinding this thing."
- Day said Ohio State has a "mock game" in Ohio Stadium on Saturday to prepare for the season opener against Akron.
- On the potential for Tegra Tshabola to start at right guard this season: "He's definitely going to play at guard. ... Whether he starts here will probably be decided on Saturday. ... He's earned the right to play in (the Akron) game."
- Day said he's felt more and more comfortable about the state of the Buckeyes' offensive line as the preseason has continued, especially with Ohio State's interior offensive line. "I think we've built some depth there."
- Day said he wants Ohio State's offensive line to "play with your hair on fire" this season. Day complimented Alabama transfer Seth McLaughlin for how he has led the Buckeyes' offensive line room this preseason. He's seen Donovan Jackson and others lead the room as well.
- On Ohio State's offensive line depth: "We've got some really good young players in the system. We should have the best offensive line in the country. That's the standard here."
- On the competition between Sonny Styles and C.J. Hicks at linebacker: "Sonny has really stepped up and played well. ... He's looking forward to playing in a game and getting an idea of what it all looks like. ... In practice, he's playing fast, he's playing violent." Day called Styles "the leader in the clubhouse" to start at Will linebacker next to Cody Simon.
- On Mylan Graham: "There was a point where he got his black stripe off, and he took a step in the right direction. ... Whether he (gets on the field) or not, we'll see." Day said Graham is in a position to make an impact later in the season, but if he starts to make an impact sooner rather than later, "we'll give him the reps he deserves." When Graham reaches the field, Day said "we expect him to contribute."
- Day said he will be "very much involved" with special teams this season. He also wants to be more of a motivator to his players this season now that he will be more hands-off with offensive playcalling. "Being involved with all three phases... trying to identify what happened last drive."
- Day said Nick McLarty will be Ohio State's starting punter against Akron. While "he'll kick a few that go out of the stadium," Day said the Buckeyes still want to see McLary develop more consistency with his punts.
- On Will Howard: "I see a bunch of traits. ... The first trait is size. He's big. He can stand in the pocket. He's strong. ... Poise is another trait he has that's excellent. ... His top-end speed. ... His overall leadership, command in the huddle is another thing he's really grown into the last few months he's been here. ... And then his accuracy. ... He can hurt you in a bunch of different ways." Day added: "I see a player that has a lot of really great skills that translate to the next level."
