Ohio State releases availability report for Week 2 matchup vs. Youngstown State

The Ohio State availability report for the Week 2 matchup against Youngstown State has been released.

The Buckeyes will be without linebacker Kourt Williams II, receiver Kyion Grayes, defensive lineman Will Smith Jr., receiver Reis Stockdale and tight end Zak Herbstreit against the Penguins as all five players are listed as “out” for the contest.

Ohio State was also without each of those players for last week’s season opener against Indiana.

The Buckeyes could also be without safety Josh Proctor against Youngstown State. Proctor is listed as questionable for the game.

Proctor, who is a senior, had four tackles, a tackle for loss and a pass breakup last weekend against the Hoosiers as Ohio State earned a 23-3 win. It was a strong opening-game performance for the Ohio State defense.

Starting this season, Big Ten teams will provide availability reports two hours prior to kickoff. The purpose is to provide a more standardized announcement of who can and can’t play, especially given the current presence of gambling in the sports landscape.

Ryan Day addresses usage plan for Marvin Harrison Jr. against Youngstown State

One player who was banged up last week but isn’t on the injury report is star receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. 

Harrison left Ohio State‘s season opener during the final minute of the first half against Indiana with an injury. Heading into Week 2, Buckeyes head coach Ryan Day said will be no limitations on his star wideout against Youngstown State.

Day’s game plan is to keep targeting Harrison until the defense can stop it. The hope for the Buckeyes is that Harrison will end up in the end zone a time or two, while also coming out of the matchup unscathed.

“We try to get him the ball and he’s certainly somebody that [the defense] always tries to figure out. It’s not always easy, the other team knows that but we’ll take a close look it and see how the game’s going,” Day said on Thursday. “He’s ready to roll in this game, so he’s healthy but we’re always cognizant of that and we try to do the best we can to do right by each player.

“Our No. 1 goal is to go out there and get a rhythm on offense. We want to convert on some situational stuff and play really well. Part of that and building that confidence is up is keeping the drive going and scoring points. [Harrison] is going to be a part of that, so that’s another goal on Saturday.”