Ohio State Football: The one player who needs a big Spring
The Ohio State football team and head coach Ryan Day are preparing for Spring practices coming up. This is usually a time when younger players get to showcase their skills, and the fans and media alike get to take notice of how bodies have changed and who has won in the weight room.
But I have my on an older player in particular when Spring practices commence. Fourth-year Buckeye offensive tackle Zen Michalski has a chance to earn a starting role this Spring, and it might just be his last chance at doing so.
Last offseason, Michalski was squarely in the mix for the starting right tackle spot. Things were trending up for him as some people inside the Woody believed that he had a leg up on a few players for a starting job before injuries derailed his summer camp.
Offensive linemen in particular take a longer time to develop. That's especially true of those who were not high in recruiting rankings such as Michalski. But as he enters year four, this will be his time to see whether he makes an impact in Columbus or not. He has ideal tackle size, standing at over 6-7 and weighing north of 310 pounds.
The right side of the offensive line is completely up for grabs. Josh Fryar probably has the leg up at tackle as the returning starter, but his best position is at guard. if Michalski can show that he's worthy of that position, the offensive line has a chance at getting back to what we're used to in Columbus.
WR recruiting starting to heat up. WR recruiting starting to heat up. dark. Next
It's definitely put up or shut up time for Michalski as he has a golden opportunity this Spring. I for one am going to be watching him like a hawk to see if he can make that leap to the next level, because if he can, Ohio State will be in great shape on offense heading into the 2024 season.