Ryan Day feels Ohio State has “more depth across the board” than in years past, and transfer safety Earl Little Jr. has been a major “bright spot” thus far in spring practice.
Depth is always critical for the grind of a team with Ohio State's usual championship aspirations. Ryan Day is feeling good about the Buckeyes' depth early in 2026. Addressing the media on Tuesday, Day said he feels that Ohio State has “more depth across the board” than in years past after bringing in a slew of veteran transfers.
It also boils down to what he's seen in practice, especially at the wide receiver, linebacker and safety positions. Speaking of safety, transfer Earl Little Jr. has been a “bright spot” this spring, Day said. He also spoke highly of freshman Brock Boyd, who he announced is the first freshman to shed his black stripe, while also praising offensive tackle Ian Moore, fellow freshman wideout Chris Henry Jr. and defensive end Qua Russaw, among other players. On Julian Sayin getting more involved in the running game:"It's the X-factor. ... I think going into this season, there's going to be opportunities for him to do that, and that's going to be a big point in the game." Day said it will be important both for Sayin to take scramble opportunities and present a threat in designed runs. Day said that Ohio State's pace of play comes down to"efficiency." Whether the offense is moving slow or fast, it's about execution, he said. Split fields and more creative ways to get players extra reps have been an advantage this spring practice, Day said, with the number of transfers and early enrollees Ohio State has."We've never had this many players for spring practice." On whether Ohio State wants to get more reps for young players than in the past:"The first thing we always want to do is win the game. Then from there, we want to put the best players on the field. ... If they earn that right in practice, then we've got to put them in the game. ... We have more depth across the board." On whether having more depth will change the pace of play philosophy on offense:"To me, the number one thing is efficiency and that's what it comes down to." Day said that if a faster pace gives Ohio State an edge, it might be able to afford more snaps with the depth it has at various position groups. Sayin has looked good this spring, but needs to keep getting reps as his responsibilities grow, Day said."We're seeing Julian set the tone in terms of how it's supposed to look. ... But he needs to play, and the more reps he gets, the better he'll be." On Earl Little Jr.:"Plays fast, plays twitchy, communicates well. Did a great job in the weight room. ... Jumped off the screen right out of the gate. ... He really enjoys the culture, loves the competitiveness. He's been a bright spot." Freshman receiver Brock Boyd continues to impress in spring practice and can handle all three receiver positions, Day said."He knows how to run a route. He's serious about it, he can play multiple positions. ... He's got quick twitch, he can change direction, he's got strong hands. I'm excited to see where his career goes." Qua Russaw has impressed at defensive end in spring practice as Ohio State searches for sacks off the edge. "That's a position where we're gonna need production this year." Beau Atkinson had a great offseason, Day said, while Zion Grady is looking good as he works back from a minor injury. Day's top concern this spring remains the running back position with Bo Jackson and Isaiah West still out."They're working. ... I don't think that's gonna get solved in just a week of practice. We've got work to do there." Day added that Legend Bey has"flashed" but it's been a transition going from quarterback to running back. Bey missed the last couple of practices with an injury, but is expected back on the field soon. On new offensive coordinator Arthur Smith:"He's a really good communicator. He's very, very intelligent. He's very excited about our guys. ... There's really not much that we can't do, so the question is, what can we get good at? ... He really does understand the pass game and the run game at a very high level." On Chris Henry Jr.:"He's flashed. He's really had some nice plays. To play as a freshman is a lot. He has to have the mentality that he's gonna start from day one. ... He has all the traits, he has all the skills. Everything that we thought we'd see in recruiting, we've seen on the field." A Netflix documentary on dinosaurs reminded Day that having half his roster be new is part of the new age of college football, and survival is about adapting to that new age."If you want to feel insignificant, watch that. ... Some dinosaurs figured out how to adapt, and some die." Ohio State keeps experimenting with offensive line combinations, Day said."We're moving guys around. We're seeing some guys do some good things. Ian Moore has done some really good things." Day listed Moore alongside Gabe VanSickle, Carter Lowe and Jake Cook as guys who need to step up this offseason.On Jay Timmons:"Competitive, got his hands on another ball today. ... You can tell he's prepared when he steps on the field. ... Gritty. And productive. Keeps playing like that, he's gonna find himself on the field."
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