Scarlet Sunrise: Ryan Day previews first game as full-time Ohio State coach

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.

Watch Ryan Day’s press conference

Ohio State coach Ryan Day addressed reporters ahead of the Buckeyes’ opener against Florida Atlantic. Watch the full press conference here.

Ohio State OL lineup revealed

When Ohio State’s offense trots out for the first time Saturday, the offensive line will be (from left to right): Thayer Munford, Jonah Jackson, Josh Myers, Wyatt Davis, Branden Bowen. But it’s a little more complicated than that, as Josh Alabi and Nicholas Petit-Frere could end up rotating some at the tackle spots and true freshman Harry Miller could also be in line for some appearances.

Here’s what Day had to say about the whole situation: “I think we’re going to have our starters. So Thayer and Brandon will start at tackle. And those guys will come in and roll a little bit. There’s some depth there. It’s hard to find that many linemen who we think have the ability to start and play in the Big Ten. We do. We’re lucky enough to have that.

“I think Josh Alabi and Nick have both proven through practice that they deserve reps, so they’re going to do that. There’s a chemistry that comes with that. But the calls are the calls. They know each other. They’re in meetings every day. They’re around each other every day. They communicate.

“And so whether a guy jumps in or not — Jonah Jackson is going to be able to communicate with Josh just like he does Thayer. And vice versa on the right side. But Harry Miller, don’t be surprised if you see him in there as well.”

New episode of the Tim May Podcast

This week on The Tim May Podcast, Ohio State wide receivers coach Brian Hartline talked with May about his progression and growth as a wide receivers coach. Hartline touched on his time as a player. May sat down with Lettermen Row senior writer Austin Ward to preview the Buckeyes’ season opener against Florida Atlantic.

Ohio State’s recruiting out West

Tuesday’s recruiting question of the day was a good one, and I thought Birm gave a great answer in response to whether Ohio State will continue to recruit more often in Arizona after having success in the Class of 2020:

Whether it’s been USC, Oklahoma, Washington or more recently Texas, the best of the best aren’t staying home in Arizona. There’s no reason that the Buckeyes shouldn’t try to take advantage of that, because the cachet Ohio State has nationally is more noticeable than ever before.

Arizona is a state with a booming population, and as American demographics continue to shift from the Midwest to Southern and Southwestern regions of the country, the need to recruit those areas has to become a major priority for colleges if they want to remain competitive. Teams simply can’t win national championships recruiting only in Ohio or the Midwest anymore, even if it is made clear that is the most important place to start a class.

Will Arizona continue to be a place the Buckeyes recruit? Sure, of course. I don’t, however, think they will be as connected to the area in most years. The 2020 cycle had a natural early conduit when Miller committed with more than a year-and-a-half before he could sign. That opens doors and grows interest from peers and rivals, and it also gives the Buckeyes a chance to see other worthwhile talents when they’ve been in town to visit Miller.

Counting down

• Ohio State vs. Florida Atlantic (season opener): 3 days
• Ohio State at Michigan: 94 days

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