Any positives of Ohio State’s first preseason camp practice were dampened during its final team period on Thursday.
During the 11-on-11 section, starting 3-technique defensive tackle Eddrick Houston suffered an apparent lower right leg injury, the severity of which is still being determined. Regardless of how much time he misses, a Buckeye defensive tackle room thought to be the thinnest position on the team will get a test early in August as Will Smith Jr., Jason Moore and Tywone Malone all have to step up in Houston's place.
The day wasn't all negative, however, as defensive end Beau Atkinson batted down a few passes, got a sack and impressed off the edge in his first practice reps since transferring in from North Carolina. Mylan Graham continues looking like a dynamic No. 4 wide receiver after an impressive spring, and defensive end Epi Sitanilei stood out as far as freshmen are concerned.
Julian Sayin saw some difficulties early as he competes to start at quarterback, throwing an interception to cornerback Davison Igbinosun, but found some rhythm during the final team portion of Ohio State's practice. Lincoln Kienholz found consistency, especially connecting with Jeremiah Smith, but neither QB clearly stood out from the other.
Eleven Warriors’ Dan Hope and Andy Anders are here with another episode of Press Coverage to give all their takeaways from the Buckeyes’ first preseason practice. Catch their reactions at the top of the page.
The full rundown for the show:
- 0:00 Eddrick Houston’s Injury Puts Even More Pressure on Backup Defensive Tackles to Step Up
- 3:58 Beau Atkinson, Mylan Graham Among Day One Standouts
- 6:49 Lincoln Kienholz More Consistent, But No Clear Standout at Quarterback on Day One
- 9:18 Epi Sitanilei, Devin Sanchez Stand Out Among Freshmen
