Ohio State football head coach Chris Holtmann made himself available to select reporters on Tuesday to provide an update on the Ohio State basketball program.
Wednesday, it was Ryan Day’s turn to provide an update on the football program to select reporters as well. It’s all in an effort to keep everyone up to speed on how everyone at OSU is continuing to deal with the measures put in place for the coronavirus.
It was a wide-ranging question and answer session, and we’ve got the bullet points on what was discussed. Off we go …
On how the pandemic has impacted the NFL draft for his players:
- Day said it’s been done with a higher rate of calls rather than in-person. There’s a ton of questions for the staff rather than getting those from in-person interviews.
- He said that he’s getting a certain few questions about Joe Burrow, but not a bunch. Day has given nothing but the highest praise as feedback in regards to his work ethic and how he plays the game.
Next … Thoughts on specific players
On Oklahoma RB transfer Trey Sermon:
- Sermon is a good addition because of needed depth with the injury to Master Teague and others. They did a lot of research and made some calls with great feedback from the coaches at Oklahoma. He’s a great player on the field, but off the field he is a great student and conducts himself well. Day has been very impressed with what he’s witnessed so far.
- Day said that now more than ever, with transfers, the opposing schools have to very forthcoming. Oklahoma was very positive about his injury status and where he was.
- Sermon is a very strong guy that can break a lot of tackles and can do a lot of things. He’s very intelligent as well.
On having what Justin Fields missed with spring canceled:
- Day seemed to think it didn’t set him too far back. They would have like to get more reps under his belt, but there’s still hopefully the preseason to go. He also already has a whole season under his belt. The lack of spring will be felt more with the other guys like Gunner Hoak.
- There isn’t a whole lot of free time to really brainstorm other things they can do with Fields this year. There’s a lot of phone calls and virtual meetings to keep him busy. Day’s had some time to think about wrinkles, but not as much as you’d think. But the time that is there is being used to try and enhance schematics.
On the status of C.J. Saunders:
- There has been no word yet but the staff continues to push so that they can help him make a decision. They are still waiting to hear if Saunders will get another year of eligibility because of injury. They are hopeful.
Next … recruiting during the pandemic
On concerns with the early signing period because of the dead period:
- Day didn’t have much concern with the early signing date because there’s always the fall-back to the traditional February date. If recruits want to sign in December, that’s fine, if not they can sign later.
- The lack of official visits does set the recruiting back a bit, but everyone has to deal with it. It just means there’s less face-to-face to make an impression. Kids can’t visit three or four times.
On the pitfalls of recruiting without meeting in person:
- It’s really not a lot different. When the staff go to visit, they aren’t allowed to communicate or meet. There are the visits that will set things back a bit, but he doesn’t believe the impact will be major if this thing continues to go on further.
On changing approach if transfers without penalty happen:
- It is forcing the staff to communicate better. He tells the kids that they are going to get treated the same way as they are recruited. The players will continue to get communication while in the program as to where they stand. The transfer is a big part of the game now, and you just have to let kids know where they stand.
Next … Dealing with the pandemic
On where Day’s concern is with an impact to the season:
- Day’s mindset is where it was basically before. There have been more conversations, but it’s all going to come down to the health providers and authorities. From there, coaches will give input and try to figure it out. Public health and student-athletes welfare is the first priority. There are still too many unknowns right now.
- This whole situation is hopefully a lifetime thing said Day. It’s so unique and you have to just take it day by day. He’s had to adjust because spring was really the first time he felt like he was settling into a pattern. Now, they’ll just go back into the mode of rolling with things as they happen and being flexible. Day praised the staff for how they work through everything.
On what the meetings are like with the team:
- There are different styles of meetings. They’ll have team meetings, and other informational sessions. They are even having sports psychology stuff. Updates and encouragement are also sprinkled in. Position wise, there are culture, leadership, and motivational talks happening. There are also staff meetings twice a week. It’s a lot of calls and a lot of listening but believes everyone is handling it well.
On working with personal trainers and such during this time:
- Micky Moratti handles all of that stuff. Most importantly though, each kid has to follow the rules on what they can do in their states. They are all unique in where they live and the environment.
On the possible idea of head football coaches taking pay cuts:
- Day believes in times like these, we have to think about others. Gene Smith’s philosophy is that we have the ability to help others in the community and he has the same philosophy. They will continue to do that as long as this goes on.
On how lost revenue during this time could be a catalyst for playoff expansion:
- Anything is worth considering said Day. It’s hard though to deal with anything like that without knowing what the parameters are. The conversations have to be ongoing and look to be creative with everything on the table.
On a timeline of returning to play:
- Day believes six weeks is a good starting point for how much time is needed to ramp up to begin to play. From there you can create models and go from there. A lot of people still need to weigh in on it all and there’s a lot of work to do.
Next … Dealing with the pandemic continued
On what lineman can do to maintain an edge during this time:
- It’s hard. The first thing is to keep the bodyweight where it needs to be. Some need to gain, some need to lose. Eating habits are critical with nutrition and strength conditioning. They need to also keep the cardio levels up and lift as much as they can.
On what those that are on the mend have been able to do:
- The staff is monitoring those that are rehabbing on a bi-weekly basis. Some can do the rehab at home, others on campus are able to work out. Bands and other tools can also be sent where they are.
On how Day would feel about playing a season with just conference games:
- Day said any football is better than no football and they’ll do whatever they need to do. Adaption is key and they’ll be ready to play. It would be great to play the whole season, but if that’s what happens, they’ll play it out.
On the ideal health scenario in bringing the players back
- It’s hard to answer because that’s not a football coach’s expertise. Day will rely on the guidelines set for by the health professionals. He does realize that a new normal will probably set in.
On what could make him better because of the nature of what they are going through
- Day believes there are lessons to learn. There will be more communication via teleconference. It gives the team more accountability, and it’ll bring the team closer together because everyone just missed being around each other.
On being able to enhance scheme and learning virtually
- It’s just hard to install new schemes without being in-person. If you have guys that have been around in the NFL and have thousands of reps, it works. For young players, there’s just not enough reps. They are teaching, but it’ll really sink in once they can all get back in person.
On the potential of playing with no fans in the stands
- Day reiterated again that some football is better than no football, even though crowds are so much a part of the experience, most especially in college football. However, if it’s not safe for the fans, it’s going to be very difficult to see how playing games will be safe for the players.
- Playing in an empty stadium would be very eerie. It wouldn’t change much from a strategic standpoint, but it would be easier to hear for sure.
Next … The upcoming NFL draft
On Chase Young and Jeff Okudah when it comes to the NFL:
- Day believes both are high-end players who will have a significant impact at the next level. They are both great people and good leaders and very productive off the field. Both are durable and don’t miss practice and plays.
- Year two to three is a pretty common time when players make that leap. Okudah was no different. He had a good relationship with Jeff Hafley and he had a good approach and just continued to get better. Talent was never the issue.
On how much the staff sells recruits on the NFL:
- The staff uses how many guys go to the NFL from Ohio State as a big selling point. Everyone has their own story and development. There have been a lot of players go to the next level and make a huge impact. It certainly helps with recruiting
On running back J.K. Dobbins and the NFL:
- He should have a really good career. He has a chance to be the first back taken based on what he hears. His skill set is variable. He can do a lot of things with scheme, but he’s also a great kid.
What other guy(s) could be a steal in the draft
- Day singled out Damon Arnette. He finds it hard to believe there are a lot of better corners out there. Also, K.J. Hill’s ability to run routes. He also mentioned Davon Hamilton. There’s a lot of guys that’ll be hanging around for a lot of reasons.
Day closed with offering a note of encouragement and told everyone to stay safe and if there’s ever anything he can do just let him know. We say the same here at Buckeyes Wire.
* Lori Schmidt contributed to this story.
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