Ryan Day reveals two freshmen defenders that have already impressed him

Ohio State freshman Kye Stokes and Caden Curry turned Ryan Day‘s head during spring practices for the Buckeyes earlier this year.

Evidently, Day believes the future of his team’s defense is in good hands with Stokes in his secondary and Curry on his defensive line. In a press conference earlier this year, the Ohio State coach spoke about how impressed he was with both freshman.

“Caden plays with a high motor, he’s a really good football player,” began Day. “Plays a lot bigger than he is. Really intelligent. Quick twitch. I think he’s going to be a heck of a football player.

“Kye Stokes, the first thing you notice is his smile and his attitude everyday. Just excellent. Contagious. He constantly has a lot of energy. But on the field athletically, he’s got a really high ceiling. His movement is excellent. His range, his ability to change directions, his ball skills, covering skills. He’s tackled a little bit here, but we’ll see how he tackles in the game. But so far, so good with those guys”

As you can see, the future is bright for Ohio State, and the future looks bright for both Kye Stokes and Caden Curry. How often they see the field as freshman remains to be seen, but the duo is ready to become building blocks for the Buckeyes.

Jim Knowles addresses question marks in Ohio State safeties room

Moreover, Ohio State defensive coordinator Jim Knowles has some good pieces to work with as he takes over. Some of those pieces are int he safeties room, where there’s a blend of youth and experience.

Ronnie Hickman and Cody Simon are all back for the 2022 season after helping lead the Buckeyes in tackles last year, along with linebacker Tommy Eichenberg. But Ohio State also added some youth in four-star Kye Stokes — the No. 31 safety in the country from the class of 2022, according to the On3 Consensus, a complete and equally weighted industry-generated average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.

Stokes had nine tackles and two pass breakups during Ohio State’s spring game last month, and Knowles said he could be a player that opens some eyes this year. It sounds like he’ll have the chance to do so, too, especially after Bryson Shaw headed to USC via the transfer portal.

“I think we have some numbers. There’s going to be opportunities for a guy like Kye to have an immediate impact on the depth,” Knowles said. “So it was good to see him make progress. We’re going to need him to step up.”

As for a two-deep, Knowles wasn’t ready to declare one so soon after spring ball. That will likely have to wait until closer to the season, based on Knowles’ answer.

“I think it’s still just a work in progress,” Knowles said. “That’s all I’m going to say.”