Ryan Day Press Conference: Ohio State Coach Updates After First Spring Practice Week
Ohio State head coach Ryan Day addressed the media on Friday following the first week of spring practice, offering insights into how the team has progressed and what he’s looking for as the Buckeyes continue their preparations for the upcoming season. After a successful 2022 campaign, where Ohio State came just short of making the College Football Playoff, Day emphasized the importance of using spring practices to solidify key positions and develop depth across the roster.
Key Focus Areas in Spring Practices
One of the central themes Day highlighted was the ongoing battle at quarterback. With star quarterback C.J. Stroud declaring for the NFL Draft, the Buckeyes enter 2023 with a competition for the starting job. Day mentioned that sophomore Kyle McCord, who has been with the program for two seasons, and highly touted freshman Devin Brown have both been given equal opportunities to showcase their skills.
“We’re seeing good things from both Kyle and Devin,” Day said. “They’re both working extremely hard and have really embraced the challenge. It’s still early, but we’re excited about both of them. This spring will be crucial in helping us get a better idea of who will lead this team going into the fall.”
The coaching staff is paying close attention to their decision-making, ability to command the offense, and how they perform under pressure. Day also noted that the competition is wide open, and both quarterbacks have shown flashes of potential.
Developing the Offensive Line
Day also spoke about the offensive line, which has been a key point of emphasis during the offseason. Despite losing some key players to the NFL, including left tackle Paris Johnson Jr. and center Luke Wypler, Ohio State returns a talented group with significant depth. Day expressed optimism about the line’s ability to come together and continue the tradition of strong, physical play up front.
“We’ve got some younger guys who have really stepped up,” Day said. “It’s been great to see guys like Josh Fryar and Donovan Jackson take leadership roles. This unit has a lot of potential, and the first week of spring practice has given us a good idea of where we stand.”
The development of the offensive line will be critical for Ohio State, especially given the importance of providing solid protection for whoever wins the starting quarterback role.
Wide Receiver Group Moving Forward
Another area Day highlighted was the wide receiver group, which remains one of the strongest positions on the team. With players like Marvin Harrison Jr. and Emeka Egbuka returning, the Buckeyes have one of the most talented wide receiver corps in the country. Day is looking for continued development from younger receivers, including freshmen Carnell Tate and Brandon Inniss, who have already impressed during the first week of practice.
“Marvin and Emeka are leaders on this team, but we’re excited about the young guys, too,” Day said. “Carnell and Brandon have shown they have the skills to contribute. Our receiving group has a lot of depth, and that’s something that will be important for us this year.”
Defensive Improvements and Spring Evaluation
On the defensive side of the ball, Day mentioned that improving the pass rush and secondary play were major points of emphasis. After some inconsistency last season, the Buckeyes are focused on creating more pressure on opposing quarterbacks and tightening up coverage in the defensive backfield. The coaching staff is looking for leadership from returning players like linebacker Tommy Eichenberg and defensive back Jyaire Brown.
“We’ve got a lot of talented players on defense, and we’ve been challenging them to be more aggressive and disciplined,” Day explained. “Spring is a great time to evaluate who can step up and make plays consistently.”
Looking Ahead
As Ohio State moves through the remainder of spring practices, Day is focusing on developing depth at every position, building leadership within the team, and ensuring that the Buckeyes are ready to compete for another Big Ten title. The competition at quarterback, the development of the offensive line, and defensive improvements will be major storylines to follow as the spring progresses.
“We’ve got a long way to go, but I’m excited about the progress we’ve made so far,” Day concluded. “We have a lot of work to do, but we’re headed in the right direction.”
With several weeks of spring practice left, Ohio State fans will be eager to see how the Buckeyes continue to evolve as they look toward the 2023 season.
