Less than two weeks remain in Ohio State's spring practice.
The Buckeyes finished their ninth practice of the spring on Monday, and Ryan Day met with the media afterward to discuss his team's progress. His biggest pleasant surprise this spring has been his tight ends, who he said are making more plays in the passing game than in years past. Defensively, Day loves what he's seen from Earl Little Jr. at the nickel position after his transfer from Florida State.
Elsewhere, Day has been happy to see some of Ohio State's younger offensive linemen get experience with Austin Siereveld and Phillip Daniels out for the spring. Day expects TJ Alford to play "a lot of football" at linebacker while freshman wide receiver Brock Boyd continues making waves.
- On what he's seen from Ohio State's cornerbacks and Devin Sanchez: "Now he's into a different role, he's fighting for a starting position. ... We've seen good progress there. In terms of the group in general, it's very competitive. ... They're all fighting for playing time. The good news is, we've got some depth there."
- On where Julian Sayin has improved: "He's commanding the whole operation, understanding that he's the guy in charge. ... He's not young anymore, so he's got to help some of those guys around him and make everybody on the field together."
- Day confirmed that offensive tackles Austin Siereveld and Phillip Daniels had minor procedures and will be out for the rest of spring practice.
- Siereveld and Daniels' absence will give Ian Moore and Carter Lowe a chance to develop further. "It's great to see both Ian and Carter have to step up in a big way." Day referenced 2024, when offseason injuries on the offensive line paid off for Ohio State's depth down the road.
- On the value he places on the continuity of Ohio State's offensive line: "It's really the most developmental positions, that and tight ends, we have in college football. ... The number of reps, the accumulation of these games, starts to play out. ... The trend we've been looking at across the country is when you have a veteran offensive line, you're able to adjust to things quickly."
- Day is happy with the state of Ohio State's kicking game thus far, with Connor Hawkins at kicker and Dalton Riggs at long snapper. "Connor is somebody who's been clutch, we've seen that before. ... Then when you look at Dalton ... he's very consistent."
- On how Ohio State's offense can be more efficient this season: "We really need to see those guys get to the second level and make some people miss. ... If we do that, we're gonna be explosive. ... I think we do have depth at receiver and our guys are working on yards after the catch more than ever ... really, it comes down to execution at the end of the day."
- Day said that the possibility is on the table for an offensive tackle to slide into guard, like Siereveld. "We'll try to find the best five."
- Mason Williams and Hunter Welcing have "shown up" at tight end and says the position room has been making more plays in the passing game. Defensively, Earl Little Jr. has done a great job communicating and working to fill in for Caleb Downs.
- Cortez Hankton's energy, enthusiasm and ability to relate to players have stood out so far to Day. "When you get around him, you quickly understand he communicates very well."
- TJ Alford is going to play "a lot of football" this year, Day said, and added it's "frustrating" that Riley Pettijohn is out with an injury to see exactly where Ohio State stands at linebacker.
- Jeremiah Smith's touchdown catch at the end of Student Appreciation Day was overturned after further video review, Day said, and the offense had to run gassers to make up for the missed call at Monday's practice.
- On Brock Boyd: "He's bringing a mature approach, he goes hard every play ... he's a good route runner ... he plays fast every play. ... He looks very decisive when he's out there and just has great natural ability to catch the ball."
- Day and his staff are excited about safeties Earl Little Jr. and Terry Moore. "We knew what type of players they were, and they've been assimilating really quickly."
- James Smith has showcased his ability, now it's about consistency and playing his role in Ohio State's defense, Day said. "James has flashed. ... You can see the talent, you can see how much he loves to play."
