When head coach Ryan Day spoke to the media on Monday, he gave some insight on the Buckeyes’ offensive line.
Day said that offensive lineman Austin Siereveld, who had been at right tackle for much of spring practices and fall camp, had been primarily getting reps at left tackle recently.
“We don’t set the depth chart early until a couple weeks out, so we’ll wait until then to actually set the depth chart,” Day said. “But right now, Austin is working exclusively at left tackle.”
Transfer offensive tackles Phillip Daniels and Ethan Onianwa have each logged reps at right tackle, with Onianwa also rotating over to left tackle and to guard. Given his experience at the position, Onianwa was expected to slot in at left tackle if fall camp went well for him, but Day revealed earlier in camp that Siereveld had been taking reps at left tackle as well, which called that into question.
Now that Siereveld is apparently taking his reps at left tackle, there’s a question of where Onianwa will slot into the lineup if Siereveld locks down the left side. Day said that Onianwa, and most of the linemen are working at multiple spots, giving him the shot at the right tackle position. Daniels could also grab the starting spot at right tackle. But Day said he feels comfortable with both of them.
“There’s enough on film to lead us to believe that we can win with both guys,” Day said.
Day highlighted the depth and versatility of his offensive line, noting that several players have the ability to shift to different positions up front.
“Ethan’s playing tackle, moving to guard. Tegra (Tshabola’s) is playing guard, but he can bump up to tackle as well. Austin, (Daniels), both playing tackle,” Day said. “Luke (Montgomery) is inside, Carson (Hinzman) is inside. Josh Padilla is inside, Gabe Van Sickle is inside and you’re seeing Ian Moore play tackle.”
Day said he hopes to have a depth chart by the end of the week, so he could have more answers about what he expects the offensive line to look like in Week 1 when he is next scheduled to speak to the media on Aug. 18.
