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Ryan Day explains his first thought when Devin Brown switched his jersey number

IMG_0985by:Griffin McVeigh•03/08/23•

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Devin Brown by Matt Parker -- Lettermen Row --
Ohio State redshirt freshman quarterback Devin Brown stretches in his new No. 33 practice jersey during the Buckeyes' first day of spring ball on March 7. (Matt Parker/Lettermen Row)

Devin Brown began a quarterback competition with Kyle McCord this week, hoping to become the Ohio State starter. Both have spent time in the program under Ryan Day and one will replace CJ Stroud, who is projected to be one of the top picks in the 2023 NFL Draft.

More exciting news than the competition came out from Brown’s camp during the first spring practice as well. Brown will be wearing the No. 33 moving forward, something he called the “OG QB number” in a tweet in February. Day thought differently, showing his New England roots.

“I thought of Larry Bird,” Day said. “I don’t know why I thought of Larry Bird.”

Day then gave his side of the story, revealing the conversation had with Brown. The potential extra spotlight of a quarterback wearing No. 33 does not both Brown. In fact, he might enjoy the attention the history of college football will receive.

“No, he came in, said that’s something he’s done for a while,” Day said. “Something that was important to him. I said ‘okay, you’re going to stick out a little bit. You alright with that?’ He said ‘yeah’ and I said ‘as long as you guys are good with it, I’m good with it.’ So, he’s going to take a run at 33.”

Brown wore No. 15 as a true freshman, something you would traditionally consider more suitable for a quarterback. No. 33 is usually in the running back area on offense, potentially a linebacker. Overall though, an odd choice, even if the reasoning is hilarious.

Devin Brown not shy of competition, number changes proves it

When Brown committed to Ohio State, there was a backlog of talented quarterbacks in the program. Day is one of the best recruiters at the position, stockpiling guys so he is ready to roll whenever somebody heads for the NFL.

Brown is not going to shy away from anything, especially competition. Day thinks the number changes prove exactly that, wanting to build his own path toward greatness at Ohio State.

“I know that he’s never shied away from competition,” Day said. “Never shied away from grabbing onto something. This is something he feels strong about, wants to blaze his own path with that number. Good for him. You think about his recruitment and everything that kind of went on, this is not a guy that shies away from things. I got no problem with it.”