The end has arrived for Ohio State football’s 2023 spring ball. The LiFEsports Spring Game will kickoff at 12:05 pm EST on Saturday.
The final of 15 practices will be held at Ohio Stadium and it’s looking like a beautiful day for football. Spring indeed!
Head coach Ryan Day will lead a preview of what the 2023 Ohio State Buckeyes could look like in the fall. There will surely be players held out from the majority or all of the game. That’s just part of the spring.
What we will get to see will leave a lasting memory of what this team can be. Find out what we all would like to see from each position during the Scarlet and Gray game.
Quarterbacks
Ohio State quarterback Kyle McCord connects with wide receiver Noah Rogers for a touchdown during the Buckeyes' eighth spring practice Saturday. pic.twitter.com/Q3AUTcJTAw
— Lantern Sports (@LanternSports) April 1, 2023
What to watch for
The presumed starter at quarterback is Kyle McCord and will be very much under the microscope. His main competition, Devin Brown, was ruled out earlier this week with a hand injury, so all eyes will be on McCord. He doesn’t have to be spectacular, just solid and grow his confidence for the battle in the fall.
Offensive line
The offensive line continues to be the biggest wild card in predicting how Ohio State may fare this season. Ryan Day said today there have been some good things from the OL but also a need for people to step up. pic.twitter.com/ATezJFJYwI
— Dillon Davis (@DillonDavis56) April 7, 2023
What to watch for
No starters have been named for either the left or right tackles but hopefully, it will clear up a bit after the spring game. Josh Fryar is the odds-on favorite on the left side while the right is murkier. Zen Michalski and Tegra Tshabola are battling it out on the right side and it would be nice for one of them to take hold of the spot. There could be transfer help on the way if Day doesn’t like what he sees on Saturday. The interior is looking for a center, and the battle between Caron Hinzman and transfer vic cutler battles on. Guards aren’t a question at all with starters Matthew Jones and Donovan Jackson returning.
Defensive end
Ohio State defensive end Kenyatta Jackson sacks quarterback Devin Brown, who is chased to the endzone by defensive tackle Tyleik Williams. pic.twitter.com/jgupAcIzBO
— Lantern Sports (@LanternSports) April 1, 2023
What to watch for
The group going up against said line needs to find just one new starter opposite J.T. Tuimoloau. So far reports have been very positive with the strides that Kenyatta Jackson has taken. It will be interesting also to see how Jack Sawyer does after moving back to defensive end from playing the “Jack” (no relation) position at times last year. Does caden curry make the second-year jump? Or is it Omari Abor that does? Both would be best. Depth at this position is always needed.
Defensive tackle
— Free Minded🍊 (@MichaelHallJr_) April 6, 2023
What to watch for
This group really just needs to stay healthy. Michael Hall Jr. was on his way to a breakout but couldn’t stay on the field. Tyleik Williams was the same story. Ty Hamilton has been solid but not spectacular, and Hero Kanu has the frame to be disruptive but hasn’t seen the field. How will Will Smith Jr. look after enrolling early? Like the ends, this group needs to create depth for the grueling season.
Cornerbacks
Almost a great catch by Carnell Tate, but Davison Igbinosun breaks up the play pic.twitter.com/UuwtK4jj51
— Griffin Strom (@GriffinStrom3) April 1, 2023
What to watch for
In many people’s eyes, this group was the Achilles heel of last year’s team, potentially costing a shot at a national championship. No one from this unit picked off a pass and the unit was picked on in big moments and couldn’t come through. In comes transfer Davison Igbinosun, who brings length and experience. Denzel Burke needs to find his freshman groove after being very average last year. Jordan Hancock is entering his third year on campus without much to show for it. Could Jermaine Matthews make an impact in year one? If this group improves, the defense as a whole will be one of the best in the country.
Safeties
.@sonnystyles_ on belonging & living up to the standard. @TheFeverABC6 @OhioStateFB pic.twitter.com/M4c2uMuCkt
— Clay Hall (@claywsyx6) March 30, 2023
What to watch for
Ja’Had Carter transferred in with a lot of hype but there hasn’t been much buzz about him during the spring even before his injury. Sonny Styles has yet to secure himself a starting role, but he should be playing a whole lot. kye stokes had many people thinking instant impact last year, but that never developed. Holdovers in Latham Ransom and Cam Martinez need to play better. Another early enrolling freshman, Malik Hartford, could find some playing time. It will be interesting how this group shakes out.
Linebackers
Linebacker C.J. Hicks works on his block-shedding ability during drills. pic.twitter.com/ALc0bzJCRd
— Jack Emerson (@jackemers) March 28, 2023
What to watch for
The starters are set with Steele Chambers and Tommy Eichenberg, but there is a need for depth behind them. Injuries happen (both already missed time in the spring) so having players behind the starters ready is important. Many expect C.J. Hicks to force his way on the field, me included. Will the light turn on for Reid Carrico? This group isn’t about the starters, it’s about the backups emerging.
Running backs
Ohio State running back Dallan Hayden breaks free for a long downfield run during the Buckeyes' eighth spring practice Saturday at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center. pic.twitter.com/GZ3V39Arew
— Lantern Sports (@LanternSports) April 1, 2023
What to watch for
We know what Ohio State has here, the question is will injuries force Day’s hand again? Miyan Williams got banged up again, but should play. TreVeyon Hendersonand Evan Pryor are still rehabbing and aren’t available. Chip Trayanum has been taking most of his reps here instead of linebacker, and Dallan Hayden has been splitting time with the first team. This unit just needs to get healthy and stay healthy. We already know what they are capable of.
Wide receivers
Carnell Tate is going to be a name everyone knows across College Football this time next year.
The hype surrounding him this spring reminds of the Marvin Harrison Jr talk from last season. pic.twitter.com/VxUJIoEDkT
— Adam King (@AdamKing10TV) April 1, 2023
What to watch for
Like the running backs, we know who is going to get the majority of reps during the season: Marvin Harrison Jr., Emeka Egbuka, and Julian Fleming. The fourth receiver is the one to keep an eye on and the battle is extremely intriguing. Early enrolling freshman Carnell Tate has wowed many but third-year Jayden Ballard has the experience.
Kyion Grayes and Kaleb Brown have big years in front of them, but they need to show they’re next or they going to get passed by younger players. Noah Rogers and bryson rodgers joined Tate in getting to campus early and we should get a sneak peek of what they could be. That’s not even including Brandon Inniss, who will join them in the summer and was the top-rated player in their recruiting class. Deep and talented indeed, is the Ohio State receiver room.
Tight end
🚨 𝐁𝐋𝐀𝐂𝐊 𝐒𝐓𝐑𝐈𝐏𝐄 𝐀𝐋𝐄𝐑𝐓 🚨
the TE room just got better. welcome to the brotherhood, @jelani3345❗️#GoBucks pic.twitter.com/ADtuwjrSqW
— Ohio State Football (@OhioStateFB) April 7, 2023
What to watch for
The starter is set when Cade Stover decided to return. His backup isn’t as clear. Three players are in the running: Gee Scott Jr., Joe Royer and early enrolling freshman Jelani Thurman. There hasn’t been much buzz about this group as a whole, with the exception of Thurman. Could this be because everyone already knew about the rest of the group and are enamored with the new guy? It might be but the massive 6-foot, 5-inch Thurman could force his way onto the field with a big spring finish that carries over to the fall.
Contact/Follow us @BuckeyesWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Ohio State news, notes, and opinion. Follow Michael Chen on Twitter.
