Ryan Day, Will Howard and other Ohio State players are confident Zen Michalski can step up at left tackle based on his performance in practice and against Oregon.
Until two weeks ago, Zen Michalski had never seen substantial playing time in nearly three-and-a-half seasons at Ohio State. Now, he’s in position to be one of the Buckeyes’ most important players for the remainder of 2024.
“I felt like Zen did well in the preseason, and because Josh had been making so much progress, his name didn't come up a bunch. But talking to and and , they really liked where his progress was coming,” Ryan Day said this week. “And when we go ones vs. twos, twos vs. ones at the end of practice, we felt like he was doing a good job of making progress. So when things like that happen, we do have contingency plans in place, but we all felt confident with Zen going in the game .
While Ohio State was hoping it wouldn’t need Michalski to step into a major role this season with how well Simmons was playing, Ohio State’s coaches expressed confidence in his ability to play as needed even before the season. Offensive line coach Justin Frye said in August that Michalski and fellow backup offensive tackle George Fitzpatrick were playing “their best football of their career since they have been here,” making him believe the Buckeyes had the depth they needed at offensive tackle.
“It could be the second play of the Oregon game, I gotta go in, I gotta play, we gotta win this game,” Michalski said on Aug. 22. “So that's kind of how I approached it the whole offseason … I've had much more reps, like reps on reps, a whole ‘nother spring ball, and I got back on the side that I'm more comfortable on, the left side.
Ohio State center Seth McLaughlin said he has “no concerns about Zen stepping in and doing a really good job,” and running back TreVeyon Henderson also expects Michalski to rise to the occasion.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Ryan Day Highlights 'Middle Eight' Importance After Ohio State Victory Over Michigan StateOhio State head coach Ryan Day emphasized the significance of winning the middle eight minutes of games after his team's victory over Michigan State. Day also provided updates on quarterback Will Howard's status and praised players Austin Siereveld and Caleb Downs.
Read more »
Ryan Day, Jim Knowles and Ohio State coach’s dissatisfaction with the defense: Buckeye Talk podcastStephen Means and Andrew Gillis discuss Ohio State football recruiting.
Read more »
Ohio State Football Coach Ryan Day Emphasizes 'Leave No Doubt' Mentality Despite Strong StartCoach Ryan Day reiterates the importance of maintaining a relentless mindset for the Ohio State Buckeyes, even after impressive victories. Despite building confidence in their run game, Day emphasizes that complacency can be dangerous and urges his team to remain focused on future challenges.
Read more »
Ryan Day Impressed By Ohio State's Poise And Jeremiah Smith's Unbelievable CatchOhio State head coach Ryan Day praised his team's performance in their victory over Michigan State, highlighting the impact of Jeremiah Smith's spectacular one-handed touchdown catch and the team's ability to maintain composure in a hostile environment.
Read more »
Ohio State coach Ryan Day's offensive system differs from his days playing for Chip KellyThis article explores how Ohio State coach Ryan Day's offensive system has evolved since his days playing under current coordinator Chip Kelly at New Hampshire. While Day possesses a deep understanding of Kelly's system, the offense he runs now is not identical to what Kelly called back then.
Read more »
What Ohio State football coach Ryan Day said after win vs. IowaOhio State coach Ryan Day talked about the Buckeyes' win over Iowa on Saturday, 35-7.
Read more »