Ohio State head coach Ryan Day met with the media on Wednesday afternoon to reflect on spring practice and look forward the Buckeyes’ season opener against Florida Atlantic — which, don’t look now, is just 87 days away.
Here’s a brief recap of what he had to say:
- Day congratulated Minnesota Vikings chief operating officer Kevin Warren on his recent appointment as Big Ten commissioner.
- Day said creation of fund with Nationwide Children’s Hospital really hits home. “We see mental health as a major issue. We’re really humbled to be a part of this.”
- Day said quarterback Justin Fields has a lot of talent, just not the experience. “We have so many tools and resources to get himself advanced.” Added Fields has been working hard in the weight room and studying film.
- Day said he has “high hopes for the offensive line.” Given lack of experience, it will be important for them to gel in September.
- Offensive tackle Thayer Munford is “looking really strong right now” after missing the spring with a lower-back injury, Day said.
- Day believes the transfer portal is not good for college football, but “it is what it is … there are parts of it that I completely understand and there are parts that make me very, very nervous where college football is going with it.”
- Day on Kentucky quarterback transfer Gunnar Hoak: “First off, he’s from here. He’s got bloodlines. That matters to us.” Mentioned accuracy, experience and intelligence as reasons he was targeted as a transfer option.
- The month of June will be huge for Ohio State in terms of recruiting, particularly as the staff looks to add several commits on the defensive side of the ball.
- Day said the state of Ohio takes priority over out-of-state prospects. “It matters to us that someone understands the rivalry.”
- Ohio State’s offseason workload mainly includes group weightlifting and running and a light class load. Day called it an opportunity to build relationships.
- Day said it’s not important to win recruiting rankings. “What matters when they get here [is] being successful on the field, off the field and getting the degree.” Talks about honesty and transparency with families and recruits.
- Day believes the H-Back position can take on several different roles. “It could be a third receiver, it could be a second running back or second tight end.” Named K.J. Hill, Jeremy Ruckert, Rashod Berry, Demario McCall, C.J. Saunders or Jaelen Gill as players who could be in that spot.
- Day on loss of father by suicide when he was 9 years old. “Growing up, I didn’t quite all that went down.” Called it a sickness.
- Day said he’s often asked about the pressure of being the coach at Ohio State. People ask him, “What if you don’t beat The Team Up North” or “What if you don’t win the Big Ten or national championship?” His response: “Well, what if I do?”
- Day said the linebacker competition is still unsettled. “Everyone is still battling.”
- Day on running back J.K. Dobbins: “He’s one of the guys that has to play good. He HAS to play good for us, especially in the first six games of the year.”
- Day said he falls asleep at night while thinking about how to maximize his team’s talent.
- Day said Fields did not win the starting quarterback job this spring, so Hoak will have every opportunity to compete for the spot. “The preseason is when the real competition goes.”
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