Skull Session: Ryan Day Says Carlos Locklyn “Wants to Be Physical” at RB, Emeka Egbuka is “Back at His Best Again” and Arvell Reese is on a “Structured Course to Greatness”

By Chase Brown on September 27, 2024 at 5:00 am
Carlos Locklyn
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Welcome to the Skull Session.

One more sleep.

Have a good Friday.

 THE WALK-ON COACH. I love Carlos Locklyn.

Have I mentioned that in the Skull Session yet?

(I know I have).

On The Ryan Day Radio Show this week, Paul Keels and Jim Lachey asked Ohio State’s head coach to opine on TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins running downhill and stiff-arming Marshall defenders into the turf last weekend. Day attributed that physical running style to confidence building between the running backs and the offensive line.

“There’s a back and forth of confidence that is being built on in the run game. A big part of that is the running backs. A big part of that is the offensive line, the tight ends and the receivers who have their part as well,” Day said. “They’re working downfield. That’s how you turn plays of 4 or 5 yards into touchdowns. Then, obviously, the quarterback being a threat helps as well.”

He also attributed it to Locklyn, whom Day said has helped Henderson, Judkins, James Peoples and Sam Williams-Dixon “build the tools” to become complete backs. One of those tools is the stiff arm, though Locklyn has another name for that.

“I think Lock calls it the off-hand punch as opposed to the stiff arm. He really wants to be physical with that,” Day said. “Just like any coach, you build the tools that you need to do your job. As a running back, that is one of the tools you need. When you’re in the open field, the ball is in the outside arm, and you work that off-hand punch.

“(We’ve taught that in) individual drills before, but then you see that in a game, and I think that’s good coaching. When your individuals translate to the film, you can put it on and show that’s where it’s showing up in the game. You’re helping players be successful.”

For all the time Locklyn has been on campus, that’s all I’ve heard about the walk-on coach.

He helps players be successful.

That, dear reader, you love to see.

 BACK AT HIS BEST. When Emeka Egbuka turned a tunnel screen into a 68-yard touchdown, I tweeted that Egbuka – while running the 68 yards to score said touchdown – looked the fastest he had been in two seasons.

Egbuka, who recorded 74 catches for 1,151 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2022, suffered an ankle sprain in Ohio State’s win over Maryland last season. After missing the next three games (Purdue, Penn State and Wisconsin), Egbuka returned to the lineup for the final six regular-season games and the Cotton Bowl; however, he never looked like himself and ended 2023 with 41 receptions for 515 yards and four scores.

Following an offseason of recovery, rehab and rest, Egbuka has looked excellent to start the 2024 season, collecting 14 catches for 266 yards and one touchdown in Ohio State’s wins over Akron, Western Michigan and Marshall.

That’s a development Day has loved to see through four weeks.

“Emeka, when he first got here, you recognized that he was just a different mentality, a different personality. He’s got a look in his eye. He wants to be great. He’s a mature young man. He was like that the minute he got here,” Day said. “To see him play that sophomore year, he was very, very productive. He did a lot of things for us. He had the ankle last year, so you didn’t get a chance to see him at his best. But now, you’re starting to see him back at his best. A captain, a leader and a great player.”

Emeka Egbuka back at his best?

That oughta scare Big Ten defensive coordinators to death.

 A STRUCTURED COURSE TO GREATNESS. Before the 2024 season started, the lone question mark on Ohio State’s defense came at linebacker. Block O winner Cody Simon was locked into the Mike while Sonny Styles and C.J. Hicks battled to start at Will. Behind that trio were Arvell Reese, Gabe Powers, Payton Pierce and Garrett Stover, four inexperienced and unproven commodities.

When asked to review Ohio State’s linebackers after three games, Jim Knowles said he’s been “pleased” with their performance.

“They know the system. They operate. They can make checks,” Knowles said. “I think they’ve been matching up well in pass coverage. I think we’ve been doing a more advanced job there. Just get better at tackling.”

The final sentence – “just get better at tackling” – made me chuckle on Tuesday. “The linebackers have been good. They just need to better at the most important action a defense makes to keep the offense from gaining yards and scoring touchdowns.”

But I understand what Knowles meant. Even if I didn’t, the defensive coordinator elaborated more on his points moments later.

“It’s a science that you never practice live,” Knowles said. “Even when you make the tackle, is it 3 yards or is it 5 yards? That leads to the third and ones, twos and threes that make it difficult (to defend an offense). I think it’s just the tackling and how to continue to get more physical tackles – speed of the game tackles – while also still taking care of them during practice.”

While Simon and Styles have firm control over the Mike and Will linebacker spots, Reese has made a name for himself as Simon’s backup. Through three games, Reese ranks third on the roster with 12 tackles behind Lathan Ransom (19) and Styles (17). He also leads the Regulators with two tackles for loss.

Reese’s standout performances prompted someone to ask Knowles if Reese could see reps at Will linebacker in addition to Mike as such a move could allow Reese to see the field more.

“No, it’s not an option,” Knowles answered. “I mean, with Arvell, he’s on a structured course to greatness. He’s climbing that step by step. You don’t want to throw a monkey wrench in there.”

A structured course to greatness. That’s one of the coolest descriptions of someone’s potential that I’ve heard.

Reese must be special. 

I like special.

 A FIGHTER FACING EVERY CHALLENGE. To end the Skull Session, I want to draw attention to the battle Jamie Mahaffey, the father of Ohio State men’s basketball forward Evan Mahaffey, has faced since he was diagnosed with a heart disease in 2012.

Mahaffey received his long-awaited heart transplant at Vanderbilt earlier this year. However, he also required a leg amputation, which has created a new reality for the teacher-coach residing in the Cincinnati area. Unable to work, Mahaffey’s loved ones started a fundraiser to help alleviate some of the costs associated with his medical expenses and future modifications to his home, as well as family support and care.

In a request for friends, family and Ohio State fans to donate, Mahaffey’s loved ones wrote these kind words about Jamie:

COURAGE AND FAITH DEFINE JAMIE MAHAFFEY

A champion on and off the court

Jamie’s passion for basketball led him to become a successful coach, mentoring multiple championship teams and inspiring young athletes to reach their full potential.

A family man and community leader

Jamie’s love for his family and community is evident in his dedication to his wife Robyn and their three children, as well as his tireless efforts to support those in need.

A new lease on life

After a long battle with heart disease, Jamie received a heart transplant in 2024, giving him a second chance at life and inspiring others with his courage and perseverance.

WHY DONATE TO THE JAMIE FUND?

Critical medical expenses

Your donation supports Jamie’s vital medical needs, including his recent heart transplant and ongoing rehabilitation. Your generosity saves lives and offers hope for a healthier future.

Modifications for home

With your contribution, we can make Jamie’s home safe and accessible post-amputation, he can navigate with ease. You support transforms a house into a haven of comfort.

Family support and care

Your donation provides crucial support to Jamie’s family, assisting with daily living expenses, transportation, and essential caregiving needs. Together, we can uplift their spirits.

For those who wish to donate, here is a link to the website: Jamie NIL Donor.

Thank you in advance.

Your contributions will not go unnoticed!

 SONG OF THE DAY. “Wings” - Jonas Brothers.

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