Ohio State Football: Dawand Jones focused on winning each day
By Charles Post
The Ohio State football team’s offensive line was dominant in the 45-31 win at Minnesota last Thursday. Dawand Jones was one of the reasons why after starting at right tackle. The Indianapolis-product was a 4-star in 2019 per ESPN, coming out of Ben Davis High School. He made his first career start at Michigan State last December.
“My first game against Michigan State was exciting. I was really nervous until I went against Jonathan Cooper in our pass rush rep before the game,” Jones told me. “The nervousness went away because I realized these are the best pass rushers in America. I told myself they’re not better than our guys.”
Jones is now one game into his junior year after helping the Buckeyes offensive line allow zero sacks for the first time since 2018 and only two hurries in the season-opening victory. Ohio State, who rushed for 201 yards against the Golden Gophers, has the expectation to repeat as Big Ten champions and return to the College Football Playoff.
Jones is certainly focused on that goal after missing the title game a year ago. He explained what it was like to stay at home as the team traveled to Miami: “It was tough missing the championship game. I had a calendar in my room that had the nati circled and I was so hurt I didn’t get to go. It’s one of my passions to get there, plus it’s in Indianapolis (this year).”
If the Buckeyes are able to contend for another national championship, the offensive line must continue playing at a high level. Thayer Munford, Paris Johnson, Nicholas Petit-Frere, and Luke Wypler were the other starting offensive lineman against Minnesota. According to Eleven Warriors, Wypler is ready to start at center again if Harry Miller remains out.
Greg Studrawa has been in Columbus for six years and this has a chance to be his best unit yet. Jones also discussed his offensive line coach: “Coach Studrawa is more of an old school coach. He yells but knows how to coach us all different ways so we can respond well. I’ve been coached like that my whole life.”
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The 6’8 right tackle is ready to take on Oregon’s defense this Saturday at noon. We’ll have to wait and see if that includes All-Pac 12 performer Kayvon Thibodeaux after he sprained his ankle in the opener against Fresno State. Jones explained what his goals are going forward: “Get better everyday whether it’s on or off the field. Win each day my feet hit the ground.”