Ian Moore knew expectations were high at Ohio State the moment he arrived on campus a year ago.
Still, being part of a national championship team in his freshman year was a surreal experience for the 6-foot-6, 309-pound offensive tackle.
“We came into the season thinking it would be pretty close to natty or bust,” Moore told Eleven Warriors in January. “Being (at the national championship) isn’t really a shock, but it’s definitely above my expectations.”
When Moore came to OSU, he realized he needed a lot of technique refinement and had to adapt to Ohio State’s offensive scheme.
“Improving those mental aspects has really been what I think my biggest improvement has been,” Moore said. “Being a freshman, there’s always some maturity that happens when you go to the next level. That mental maturity has really improved for me.”
Moore played in four games this season for Ohio State, including the College Football Playoff win against Tennessee in December, primarily working at right tackle. His redshirt season provided plenty of lessons, including how his teammates on the offensive line handled adversity when they lost two starters to season-ending injuries.
“Josh Fryar said it best, it’s just kind of like F you,” Moore said of the mentality he picked up while watching the offensive line step up this season. “We’re going to do what we’re going to do, regardless of what happens. So we’re going to play with that F you mindset and just keep on going.”
Moore said he learned a lot from Donovan Jackson’s season in particular. With Jackson moving from his natural position of guard to tackle, Moore realized that he may need to be flexible at other positions besides right tackle going forward if he wants to see the field. He said he admires what Jackson accomplished in a pressure-filled situation, and got work in at other positions in practice once the injuries started to pile up.
“With the injuries, I kind of bounced around positions,” Moore said of what the season was like for him late in the fall. “I’m trying to be as flexible as possible. It’s kind of been a learning curve. I’ve been at right tackle all throughout the year, and then I kind of bounced around and tried to learn all the spots. I’m trying to get my technique right for whatever I have to play.”
Moore said it’s been “fluid” learning the responsibilities of guard and center and describes the process as a “Spanish class” compared to playing either tackle position.
“I’m at like a Spanish Two level right now,” Moore said with a laugh.
Moore has a pivotal offseason in front of him, as he’ll likely compete with Minnesota transfer Phillip Daniels for the starting right tackle spot next season. Moore isn’t setting any fast and hard goals outside of improving his game in multiple areas, and he knows he’ll need to stay ready for whenever his number is called.
“In terms of next year, I’m hoping to improve all around,” Moore said. “I’m always harder on myself than I probably should be, so just making all-around improvement is where I need to be. I’m just trying to work my butt off. Whether I end up in a starting spot, a No. 2 spot or No. 3 spot, I’m happy because I’m here. I’m just going to try and keep working.”
