There are a lot of players battling for starting positions with Ohio State replacing so much from its national championship team this spring practice. With that comes a lot of emotions.
In his press conference on Monday, Ryan Day said he and his staff have seen that emotion bleed throughout Ohio State's roster in what he described as some "very intense" spring practices.
Day also said that the Buckeyes are still working to develop their depth at offensive tackle and he needs more consistency at the position, while updating the state of nearly every position for Ohio State this spring elsewhere in his time talking to the media.
- Day reaffirmed that Ohio State will have a "game" format for its spring showcase and also shouted out the Buckeyes' "Saddle Up" event to raise NIL.
- On Julian Sayin's leadership: "He has credibility, he's building it in the locker room. ... He lives his life right off the field. When he says he's gonna do something, he does it. ... I think he's getting more and more comfortable out there. I think all the quarterbacks are."
- Day said the Buckeyes aren't currently looking at Caleb Downs at running back.
- Day said he'd be concerned about practicing a different team as the "rules of engagement" wouldn't be clear. "I think if teams want to do that, then I think the rules committee should take a look at that. ... For us, I'd really be concerned about health. ... Our players have to learn how to practice."
- The fact that all analysts and other coaches can coach on the field, not just 10 as was the old NCAA rule, has been a boost to player development, Day said. "They have more of an impact because they're all coaches. ... I look at the offensive line, we have three guys every day chasing these guys around. ... You're getting three experienced guys working with the offensive line every day."
- On where the quarterbacks are: "There's been really good progress in that room. ... Then there's other moments where they have two or three plays in a row where you get frustrated. ... They have the right approach. ... I think they just need moe and more reps."
- On players making a move this spring: "It's been good to watch C.J. (Hicks) work in a new role. Arvell (Reese) as well, he's doing some really good things. ... I like the way the other linebackers are running around. ... Jermaine (Mathews Jr.), he's out there, you feel him every day. ... I think both Jaylen (McClain) and Malik (Hartford). ... The tight end room is as deep as we thought it would be."
- Whoever wins Ohio State's starting quarterback job, Day said that player will need to block out the noise of the public. "You're not really used to it until you're in it. When you go through the recruiting process, everything is positive ... then when you're a new guy, everything is positive. ... Whether it's positive or negative, you can't let it affect you."
- On Devin Sanchez: "Got the right mindset, he's out there competing. He's also making mistakes and learning from that and growing. ... Just needs to continue to get reps under his belt ... obviously we all know he has the talent and has a bright future here."
- On the intensity of practice: "It got ramped up last week. It got very intense last week. ... It got emotional in spots because guys are fighting for spots, but that's the way you want it as a coach."
- Day said the talent of Ohio State's secondary does weigh in the quarterback evaluations a little bit in practice, but it's what they'll see in the season, too. "That's part of it, for sure. But the expectation here is to do that against everybody else in the country."
- Day said Arvell Reese has "taken the next step" at linebacker. "The defensive staff has worked to figure out how to maximize his strengths, he's got a lot of them."
- Day wants everyone on Ohio State's offensive line to have a primary position and a secondary position for depth purposes. "Having the flexibility to do that is important. ... There's a couple guys out there that are only playing one position ... right now we're moving guys around pretty good. We're getting a bunch of reps."
- "Playing and coaching is very different. The hours you put in are very different. ... Then it's being organized with your thoughts ... then it's the communication. ... Those are all things that you learn and you grow from. ... Then you get someone like James or like Brian (Hartline), they learn quickly. ... Sometimes coaches are the most uncoachable people ... but James and Brian do a great job of taking the feedback."
- Day said the Buckeyes are still working to build offensive tackle depth, and while there have been flashes, it's about consistency. "We need some guys to step up there."
