Quick hitters from Ryan Day summer update press conference

COLUMBUS — Ohio State head coach Ryan Day met with media Tuesday to provide a mid-June update about the Buckeyes.

Lettermen Row rounded up everything Day said.

What Day said Tuesday…

+ Day said there’s no update on the quarterback situation. He said there’s not a lot of movement since spring at quarterback, but that really goes for every position.

+ Day said there’s fewer opportunities at times to find the diamond in the rough in the recruiting world nowadays because of how much great media coverage all of these high school athletes get. Day stressed how important the evaluation is for all high school and transfer portal prospects. He still believes there’s a place for a guy who is a late bloomer in high school and gets an offer as an upperclassman.

+ Day said you have to bring in the people that fit Ohio State. “You win with people,” Day said referencing legendary Buckeyes coach Woody Hayes, mentioning that that’s more important now than ever. You have to build a culture — a winning culture — and that’s what they’re focused on.

+ Day was asked about the right tackle position, and he said Josh Fryar is making a lot of progress. Coming off last year, Fryar built confidence and knows he can do it. They feel confident with him playing guard and tackle, but they’re leaning toward him playing tackle. He’s on the leadership committee, and they’re pleased with how he’s changed his body this offseason. They’re really trying to figure out the right guard position.

+ Day said he’s focused on squaring away the quarterback battle, the right side of the offensive line. He wants to build enough depth at receiver to the point where they can put five or six guys in the game. They’re looking at who could be the third, fourth and five interior defensive linemen. Day’s also moitoring safety depth, looking to see who’s going to step up. Punter is going to be a “significant” battle, particularly now with Nick McLarty in the mix.

+ Day was asked about bringing in an O-Lineman from the portal. They weren’t just going to bring someone in to bring someone in. They checked on a few guys, but based on where they were and the young guys coming up, they were pleased with the progress from the spring.

+ Day was asked if he considered adding to the running back room through the portal. He said they have experience with the top duo — TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins — and they felt that Sam Williams-Dixon and Jame Peoples did a nice job in the spring. They started having a conversation with safety Caleb Downs about him potentially playing running back as a way to build depth at the position. They feel like if they have four strong running backs, that’s going to be enough to carry the season. Running quarterbacks will help, too.

+ Day said “we’ll see” when asked if Caleb Downs can play running back at this level — they talked about it during the recruiting process the first time around and some the second time around when Downs was in the portal. Day said Downs did very little at running back in the spring. They pitched him an option here and there. Day also noted that cornerback Lorenzo Styles Jr. has played some receiver again — he played receiver two seasons at Notre Dame before transferring to Ohio State last year. This time of year, you can get away with that a little bit, Day said in reference to guys spending some practice time at different positions in the offseason.

+ Day later added that they believe Downs’ ceiling is highest at safety but that Downs enjoys having the ball in his hands.

+ Day said the expectations are the same every year, the pressure’s the same every year. He’s confident with the team he has. He’s not sure if they’ve had this combination of talent and experience before during his tenure.

+ Day said “we’ll see as we go” about the identity of this 2024 team. Ohio State has to take care of the football and run the ball, in addition to playing situational football, Day emphasized. He explained that you won’t get a real feel for what the team is until you get to October, especially now that it’s more of the NFL format with the expanded playoff.

+ Day was asked about now-former Ohio State Director of On-Campus Recruiting Erin Dunston leaving for Michigan. He declined to comment on the departure and emphasized that he wants to discuss the players and staffers who are with the Buckeyes now.

+ Day was asked about Ohio State’s linebackers. He said “good versatility” stands out from that group. He said you can see it in the length on them, and that comes up in coverage, especially in zone. The Buckeyes ‘backers can also blitz. Day and Co. are hoping those guys can take the next step in preseason. They’re all playmakers, Day pointed out.

+ Day talked about the importance of striking the aggressiveness balance this season, calling the right blitzes at the right time.