Ryan Day praises Day 1 effort of Caleb Downs, Quinshon Judkins, other Ohio State newcomers

Ohio State had a bevy of high profile transfers this offseason and Ryan Day noticed all of the flashes of talent to open up spring practice.

Guys like quarterback Will Howard, defensive back Caleb Downs, running back Quinshon Judkins and even five-star freshman Jeremiah Smith stood out in the first practice. It’ll take some time for everyone to be adjusted, but it’s nice to see for Day.

However, there were tons of reps dished out so Day will have to take a look at the film.

“Yeah I think they all flashed,” Day said. “I mean you notice them. When it’s going that fast and we’re getting that many reps it’s hard to really focus on one guy, but you know they all flashed at times and so we’ll get on the film and kind of look but you can see the talent in all those guys.”

Day previously opened up how Howard will earn his way to Ohio State’s QB1 role.

“Will came here to play football,” Day said. “I hope that’s his mentality and I hope all the guys have that mentality so you know, he’s gonna learn the offense and get going but he’s done a great job so far with the feedback a big part of the quarterback play here is what goes on in that weight room with Coach Mick. The leadership, the way that guys work, you have to build credibility amongst your teammates. That’s a big part of it. 

“And we talked to quarterbacks about this all the time. Talk to him about, you know, CJ (Stroud), when he first went to the NFL, you have to endear yourself into that building. And you have to earn the respect of the guys in the building and I think, you know, Will is doing that.”

Downs was a big one, considering he left Alabama after Nick Saban retired. He’ll be an immediate plug and play in the secondary, giving the Buckeyes one of the best pure defenders in college football.

Judkins was a star at Ole Miss but now he’ll add to a dynamic backfield with TreVeyon Henderson and Dallan Hayden. Good luck trying to stop those guys all at once!

Smith could see time right away if he develops fast enough. Ohio State and Day have never been shy about their wide receivers, particularly if they can make an impact right away.

It’ll be a new look Ohio State team, but Day is ready to go full throttle in 2024.