Ryan Day: The payoff will be proof for Mike Hall, Evan Pryor

Last year, defensive lineman Mike Hall and running back Evan Pryor took redshirt years as part of their development at Ohio State. As fall camp goes on, the two are making good impressions — and Ryan Day said it’s all about the payoff.

Day, speaking during a post-practice press conference Aug. 11, said Hall and Pryor are both coming along well as they compete for roles this year. Hall had a strong spring and find himself playing a role in a new-look Buckeyes defense with Jim Knowles calling the shots. Lettermen Row’s Spencer Holbrook also listed Pryor as a potential breakout candidate in a running back room that also includes TreVeyon Henderson and Miyan Williams. He appeared in four games last season — the most he could play to maintain a redshirt — totaling 98 yards and a touchdown.

With three weeks left until the highly anticipated season opener against Notre Dame, Day said he’s seen good things from both players as they continue to develop.

CLICK HERE to subscribe to the On3 YouTube channel today for all of the latest news on college football, recruiting, NIL, more!

“Both guys really focus on their development,” Day said. “Mike Hall really worked hard last year to develop and showed up every day and worked and has worked this preseason. When you focus on your development, then the payoff in the end is going to be awesome.

“The same thing with Evan Pryor. He’s focused on that, he’s stayed positive. Both of those guys are really developing. And that’s been their focus. In the end, it’s going to really pay off for both of those guys.”

Ryan Day provides latest on Lathan Ransom, impressed with return from injury

Day also had some good news on Thursday, providing a positive update on safety Lathan Ransom. Ransom suffered a leg injury that required surgery during the Rose Bowl last winter after what was a breakout season for him.

“He had a very good summer, shown up, for sure,” Day said as the Buckeyes wrapped up week one of fall camp. “Yeah, it says a lot about Lathan’s ability, the recovery that he put in with … everybody in the training room. It’s good to see him. We’re certainly keeping an eye on it.

“Every day, we kind of have a watchlist of guys that we keep a close eye on to make sure that they’re good. But he’s been able to handle it and it says a lot about him.”