Ohio State head coach Ryan Day speaks to the media on National Signing Day. Credit: Colin Gay | Sports Editor
Ryan Day is eight days away from unveiling the first Ohio State team under his helm as head coach at the Spring Game.
Day is not the only thing new about this Buckeyes team, as the two quarterbacks competing for the starting job, sophomore Justin Fields and redshirt freshman Matthew Baldwin, would be first-time starters come fall.
Despite Fields running with the first team for much of Friday’s open practice, Day said there is not much separation between the two in terms of metrics.
“I think the completion percentage is pretty close right now with those guys,” Day said. They’ve been playing a little bit more zone coverage, so the completion percentage is kind of on par with what Dwayne was last spring.”
Day added that due to the zone defense his quarterbacks have faced in spring practices, he would expect higher completion numbers and “they’re not there yet.”
Ohio State has worked to implement more under-the-center action in spring practices for the upcoming season, which Day said will utilize two-tight end sets that play to the strength of a group he said is the most experienced returning.
Seniors Luke Farrell and Rashod Berry and sophomore Jeremy Ruckert combined for just 30 receptions out of the tight end core last season, but have figured prominently in the screen game for the Ohio State offense this spring.
If the returning tight ends are a strength for the Buckeyes, Day said the offensive line may be a weakness with its lack of depth.
Junior offensive tackle Thayer Munford has been ruled out of spring practices due to injury, leaving the Buckeyes with 11 offensive linemen, while Day said he would like to have 16 on scholarship.
Day said the light depth on the line will impact how the Spring Game is run next Saturday.
“We’ll probably go with a running clock in the second half, something we’ve done in the past before, so that we get some of the guys that are a little more veteran like [senior offensive lineman Branden Bowen] and some of the guys that have played some more, out of the game,” Day said.
Despite clock modifications to allow a quicker game, Day said he still finds the Spring Game crucial for giving young players experience playing in front of thousands at Ohio Stadium.
As the Spring Game looms closer, the intensity of practice on Friday, which Day said was one of the most energetic the team has had, was ratcheted up.
Senior cornerback Damon Arnette and junior wide receiver Jaylen Harris exchanged swings with their helmets off near the sideline after a scrimmage play Friday, but Day was unconcerned.
“I like the fact that they’re going after it,” Day said. “I think that if you don’t have any kind of scuffles, then maybe you don’t have the right team.”
