Ohio State was back on the practice field at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center on Tuesday morning for its fourth practice of fall camp. Afterward, head coach Ryan Day met with the media for about 15 minutes and answered questions about offensive line depth, defensive improvements, impact freshmen and more.
Here’s a brief recap of what Day had to say:
- Day opened the press conference by sharing his thoughts and prayers with those who lost their lives in El Paso and Dayton. Reiterated importance of mental health awareness.
- Day said redshirt senior Branden Bowen is taking right tackle reps, but lauds his versatility. “I think he feels confident — really for the first time — on (his injured) leg.”
- Day on passing game coordinator/quarterbacks coach Mike Yurcich: “He wanted to be a part of Ohio State. He wanted to come back home. We talked about how we’re going to do this thing together.”
- Day on senior cornerback Damon Arnette’s decision to return. “It was a big deal for us.” Said he dug himself out of a hole academically to graduate last Sunday. “I’m really proud of where he is.”
- Day said Arnette was essentially out the door and on his way to the NFL before a long conversation with Cris Carter and the hiring of new co-defensive coordinator/secondary coach Jeff Hafley. “We sat down and didn’t think that was the best thing for Damon.. Had a lot of reasons why.”
- Day hopes third-year wide receivers Jaylen Harris and Ellijah Gardiner step up on offense and special teams this fall. “It’s about time.” He also mentioned freshmen like Garrett Wilson and Jameson Williams.
- Day said Harry Miller has shown the ability to be the backup center this fall. Notes the difficulty of learning line calls and the added responsibility at the position, however. Matt Jones has been practicing at guard, meanwhile.
- By comparison, Day said he’s “really proud” of how center Josh Myers is practice right now. He’s the No. 1 center in camp right now.
- “Stars don’t mean a thing,” Day said. Added veterans will also ask newcomers how many stars they had in high school, but quickly respond that it doesn’t matter whatsoever.
- Day on freshman wide receiver Garrett Wilson: “He’s fighting right now for a backup spot and for an opportunity to play.” His play over the next few weeks will determine how much he sees the field in the fall.
- Running back Demario McCall missed the entire spring with an injury, so Day said, “The first thing he’s gotta do (this fall) is become the backup running back.” Has worked at wide receiver in camp, though, while Master Teague and Marcus Crowley are also battling for that No. 2 spot. “We do not have a legitimate backup running back right now.”
- Day believes there is a lot of “position momentum” on defense right now. Said the group had four interceptions today. Safety Josh Proctor had two, specifically.
- Freshman offensive tackle Enokk Vimahi is up to 293 pounds (from 257) after only two months in the strength program, Day said.
- Freshman offensive tackle Dawand Jones, meanwhile, is “not sloppy” at 6-8, 340 pounds.
- Day said the Buckeyes will be aggressive on punt blocks, but not too aggressive to pick up penalties. Added they want a dynamic returner, but will place a premium on ball security.
- Though replacing Terry McLaurin will be difficult, Day is pleased with how cornerback Jeffrey Okudah and wide receiver Chris Olave have handled the gunner position on punt team.
- Day said the backup running backs need to secure the ball, run through contact, play with toughness and a low pad level.
- Day said it’s always good to have former head coach Urban Meyer around. He was a spectator at practice today. “I know his golf game is going well and he seems happy.”
- Day once again said it’s still too early to make a call on the quarterback completion. Added Justin Fields has flashed early, though.
