With Ohio State's season opener around the corner, head coach Ryan Day made one of his final media appearances before kickoff against Akron.
From calling Jeremiah Smith "mature beyond his years" to naming Ohio State's starting kick and punt returners, here are all the news and notes from the head coach's "Lightning Round" on Wednesday:
- Day said Ohio State has no "long-term" injuries apart from running back TC Caffey's torn ACL. "There might be a couple (of minor injuries) that we are evaluating toward the end of the week."
- On what has impressed him about Smith this preseason: "Oh geez. He's been consistent. He's been very workmanlike since he's been here. ... He's shown to be a deep threat down the field. Mature beyond his years. ... Excited to see how he looks on Saturday and the start of his career."
- On Austin Siereveld stepping into a larger role this preseason: "I think he's an example of somebody who had an opportunity and took it and ran. ... He kind of got thrown into the fire. Because of that, he became a better player for it."
- On what Ohio State's quarterback run game could look like this season: "If you remember what we did with Justin Fields, it's probably similar to that. ... There's always gonna be a part of the game where Will (Howard) and all of the quarterbacks can impact the game with their feet. ... The quarterbacks can have an effect with their feet in the passing game (also)."
- On Gee Scott Jr., Jelani Thurman and who will start at tight end for Ohio State: "We are gonna try to roll the tight ends the best we can. ... We've built some depth in their room. ... There will be multiple groupings in the game."
- Day said Jayden Ballard and Carnell Tate will take kickoffs for Ohio State, while Brandon Inniss and Emeka Egbuka will take punt returns to start the season. Day said the Buckeyes have depth in both spots and could mix different players into the rotation as the season continues.
- On Ohio State's mindset entering the Akron game: "We have to respect everybody we play against. We have to respect the game. ... These are precious opportunities. ... We have a certain standard we have to play with. We want to come into this game and set the tone for this season. ... Every season is different. This season is what it is, but that doesn't change our approach (entering) the first game."
- On Egbuka: "I don't think anybody forgot how good a player Emeka Egbuka is." Day said it was "great to see" Egbuka elected captain. He also feels excited to see the senior wide receiver healthy and ready to make an impact in multiple ways for the Buckeyes.
- When commenting on the chemistry of Ohio State's coaching staff, Day said "Brian Hartline has been unbelievable" while complimenting several individual coaches.
