When Ohio State freshman defensive end Caden Curry became just the second first-year player to lose his black stripe in the spring, it should have been an indication that his arrival would be sooner rather than later.
Bigger performances will likely be in Curry’s future, but he made his first announcement in Ohio State’s win over Arkansas State, finishing with four tackles, including one which knocked Arkansas State running back Ja’Quez Cross back six yards for a loss.
“Caden’s flashed,” Ohio State head coach Ryan Day said after the game. “Caden plays hard, he’s productive, he’s one heck of a football player and I’m glad he’s a Buckeye.”
Ohio State has been rotating defensive linemen throughout the first two games of the season and Curry got his first shot in the fourth quarter against the Red Wolves, creating two tackles – including the six-yard loss – that helped force a three-and-out by Arkansas State.
With that type of performance, he could see his usage increase, especially this week against Toledo.
“The more he plays, the more he is probably going to find a role for himself,” Day said. “He’s very, very productive. He’s been productive since he’s got here. You can see that when he’s on the field. And so he’s helping us on field goal. He’s helping us in some special teams areas as a backup. To see him get in the game was great. Anytime those young guys can play, they can learn a lot. It was a good start for him.”
Curry has impressed Day as well as defensive coordinator Jim Knowles, who said Curry has shown out since Knowles first arrived on campus.
“He’s another guy I noticed from the start when I first got here because he has a tremendous first step,” Knowles said. “He’s tough for his size. He’s one of those guys that can get himself in a position to make plays. Just bounces off people, twists, turns (and) pitches a fit.”
“He showed that he can play, and he can definitely be in the mix,” he continued. “He’s proved himself with step one getting in there and making plays and that’s earning him more opportunities.”
