Buckeyes waiting on status of one starter ahead of home opener
COLUMBUS — Ohio State made it through the first week of the season with a clean bill of health.
But this is football, and issues pop up throughout the year. And for the first time in this young fall, the Buckeyes could be without one of their starters for a game.
Ohio State is waiting on one game-time decision, as starting safety Josh Proctor is the lone Buckeyes player listed as questionable for the date with Youngstown State on Saturday (Noon, BTN).
Following an up-and-down first five years for Ohio State, including a year missed due to a broken leg and a benching last season, Proctor climbed back up the depth chart to earn a start last week against Indiana in the season-opener.
He performed well. And he feels like he is finally playing well enough to land a permanent role in this defense, which figures to take a big step forward toward a national-title level this season.
“I do,” Proctor said on the field after the Buckeyes 23-3 win over Indiana last weekend. “My whole thing going into this offseason was clear mind, clear heart, clear soul. Don’t worry about anything, let everything go once you’re out here playing ball. And I know I can do that.”
He may have to wait a week to do it again after popping up on the availability report for the Buckeyes this weekend. But his momentum isn’t slowing down, regardless.
Other availability report notes
For the first time this season, freshman safety Jayden Bonsu is off the availability report, clearing the way for a potential Buckeyes debut. Another positive note for Ohio State: walk-on running back T.C. Caffey is not listed for the first time since tearing his ACL last season.
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Freshman defensive lineman Will Smith Jr. is still out for the Buckeyes, as are sophomore wide receiver Kyion Grayes and fourth-year defender Kourt Williams II.
The full availability report from the program is now confirmed, making note that Ohio State doesn’t detail injury or disciplinary matters.
Questionable
Safety Josh Proctor
Out for Ohio State
Wide receiver Kyion Grayes
Tight end Zak Herbstreit
Defensive lineman Will Smith Jr.
Wide receiver Reis Stocksdale
Defensive back and linebacker Kourt Williams II
Ohio State vs. Youngstown State details
Ohio State has only played Youngstown State twice in the programs’ history. The Buckeyes are 2-0, outscoring the Penguins 81-6. Those two matchups came in 2007 and 2008 when the Buckeyes were coached by Jim Tressel, who came to Ohio State from Youngstown State after winning national titles at that level.
- Time: Noon p.m. EST
- TV Channel: Big Ten Network
- Date: Saturday, Sept. 9
- Location: Ohio Stadium, Columbus, Ohio
- Weather: High of 77º, partly cloudy, winds around 10 mph
- The line: Ohio State -41.5
- The total: Not available
