Scarlet Sunrise: Should Ohio State worry about offensive line depth?

Good morning, Ohio State fans, and welcome to the Scarlet Sunrise! Football will always be our focus, but every day we’ll cover news, notes and analysis from across Buckeyes sports. Join us each morning to get caught up on everything you missed in the world of Ohio State football, recruiting, basketball and more. 

How concerned should the Buckeyes be about the offensive line?

Ohio State isn’t comfortable with the depth on the offensive line, that’s no secret since it continues to search for additional options on the graduate-transfer market. It also isn’t panicked, because the program is aware that it already has enough pieces on hand to put together a stellar starting group of blockers. So, the Buckeyes sit somewhere in the middle: Call them cautiously optimistic.

If Ryan Day decided to simply stand pat, the Ohio State coach would have a first-string unit with the potential to be one of the best in the Big Ten and a couple versatile guys who could provide something of a safety net for an injury or two. But there would be a real risk of a drop-off beyond that if health issues pop up — or the likely starters don’t develop as projected.

Lettermen Row senior writer Austin Ward dives deeper into the Buckeyes worries along the offensive line and possible solutions in Friday’s Question of the Day. 

Offensive line search key for Ohio State in the 2020 class

There’s no way to beat around this bush: Greg Studrawa needs a big year on the recruiting trail and on the field in 2020. The Buckeyes have signed 10 offensive linemen in the last three cycles, and last year had the potential to be absolutely devastating if Ryan Day hadn’t made some magic happen leading up to signing day with Enokk Vimahi and Dawand Jones.

So far, the Class of 2020 appears to be providing a much-needed boost. The Buckeyes have three commitments, and two of them are players with 5-star potential in Paris Johnson and Luke Wypler. They’re fighting to keep each of those players firmly entrenched as Buckeyes and to this point have done a good job holding off schools like Notre Dame and Stanford, who have tried to swoop in amid coaching changes in Columbus. Ohio State added Jakob James in January, and he’s eager to work for the Buckeyes on the recruiting trail — a trait shared with Johnson and Wypler.

“Recruiting-wise, I’m close with Paris already,” James told Lettermen Row. “So helping him out and getting the dudes we need to get is what I’m gonna go at.

“I think some of them are still enjoying the recruiting process, but once it’s time for them to make a decision I think they need to know we could be one of the best offensive line groups out there under Coach Stud and Coach Day.”

Lettermen Row recruiting director Birm discusses the next steps Ohio State must take to feel more comfortable with the future of the offensive line in Friday’s Recruiting Question of the Day.

Reid Fragel analyzes Enokk Vimahi

Former Buckeyes offensive tackle Reid Fragel was back in the Lettermen Row lab breaking down the film of Enokk Vimahi to get a feel for what the new addition to the program can provide in his latest BuckIQ episode.

WATCH: Reid Fragel breaks down Enokk Vimahi

Cincinnati Bengals wanted Hafley for DC opening

According to a report from Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo of NFL Network, the Cincinnati Bengals looked to interview Ohio State co-defensive coordinator & secondary coach Jeff Hafley for its defensive coordinator opening. However, Hafley chose to remain in his role with the Buckeyes after Ryan Day hired him to the staff just last month.

Counting down

• Ohio State hoops vs. Michigan State: 1 day
• Oho State spring game: 56 days

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