Ohio State head coach Ryan Day followed the Buckeyes' first practice of the preseason with a brief press conference inside the Woody Hayes Athletic Center.
Day revealed freshman running back Legend Bey, one of the stars of the Buckeyes' offseason, will miss "the first couple of days" of the preseason after he violated team rules. The head coach also shared the latest updates on running back Isaiah West, offensive lineman Austin Siereveld, wide receiver Devin McCuin, kicker Connor Hawkins and more.
Here's a bullet-point breakdown of his comments:
- Day said Legend Bey did not practice on Thursday and will not practice “the first couple of days” because he violated team rules. “He’s learning, but he’ll be back on the field soon.”
- When asked about Chris Henry Jr. and Brock Boyd, Day said redshirts don’t exist anymore and everyone should be fighting for playing time. “Those guys in particular are really fighting hard. I think they can see it. We saw enough of them in the spring to lead us to believe that they can help us this year. The question is how early and how much? That’s what preseason is gonna be about.”
- When asked about Austin Siereveld playing guard during the first practice, Day said Ohio State will be trying a bunch of different offensive line combinations this preseason. Day’s goal is to find the “best five” offensive linemen, but “part of that five is knowing Austin can play both guard and tackle.”
- Day said Ohio State’s offensive line is going to have “really good competition” this preseason.
- Day said running back Isaiah West had a “tremendous offseason” for the Buckeyes. “One of the best in the whole building… We want him to take the next step.” Day said West “looks the best physically he’s looked,” which is exciting after West started his college career coming off a knee injury.
- On Devin McCuin: “I thought he was consistent in the spring, but now he’s got to take a huge step here… That position is really gonna be an important part of our offense.” Day said McCuin has put himself in position to be Ohio State’s No. 3 receiver and now it’s his job to go win it.
- Day said Ohio State will “try to create situations” to test Baylor transfer kicker Connor Hawkins this preseason. Day wants Hawkins to have moments where he’s thrown in the fire. “You don’t get to go to the driving range when you’re on the back nine.”
- Day said “physically we look as good as we have” this preseason. He said the Buckeyes are as talented as they’ve been, too, but need to work hard this August and September to set the standard for the year.
