Ohio State Football: Top 2 priorities for Ryan Day
Offensive line cohesion
For the past three seasons Greg Studrawa has moved an All-Big Ten guard to center. While each move paid off for the player, it seems possible the consequence was having a line failing to maximize its potential.
For half of last season the line could not effectively run block which seems unimaginable under coach Meyer. I know some of the passes were really handoffs on jet sweeps, but the offense still struggled at times in the running game.
I believe we’ll continue to see a pass-oriented offense under Day, especially if Kevin Wilson remains on staff, but think of how lethal the offense will be if the running game improves. There is no reason to think it won’t, except for coaching.
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The last two recruiting classes for offensive line talent were fruitful. The 2019 class is less heralded but still strong.
From the 2017 class, Thayer Munford started this season at left tackle and Wyatt Davis finally earned his first start in the Big Ten Championship at right guard. Josh Myers appears to be the heir apparent to Michael Jordan at center.
If Jordan stays for his senior year, a move back to guard is possible if Myers is ready to take the reins. Nick Petit-Frere, Matt Jones and Max Wray will all be in the mix next season.
That’s basically two lines full of four and five-star recruits. Coupled with Branden Bowen’s fulltime return along with Gavin Cupp and Joshua Alibi, Ohio State should have the best offensive line in the country next year.
Next. Revisiting 2018 Season Predictions. dark
I am leaving quarterback alone for now. I doubt Dwayne Haskins returns since he will likely be the No. 1 quarterback taken in the NFL Draft, but there is still a chance he will. If he leaves, his replacement becomes priority No. 1 for Day.