Ryan Day addresses current plan for starting left tackle

On3 imageby:James Fletcher III03/09/22

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With offensive linemen Nicholas Petit-Frere and Thayer Munford leaving for the 2022 NFL Draft, the Ohio State offensive line will have a new look next season. While the guard spot is also up for grabs, the left tackle spot – generally considered the most important position on the offensive line – will draw the most attention.

Following a spring practice on Tuesday, head coach Ryan Day confirmed that junior Paris Johnson is the left tackle of the future after spending one season at guard.

“We recruited him as a tackle,” said Day. “We also felt like he was a tackle, but to his credit, he wanted to get on the field last year. And [he] really learned a lot playing last year at guard. Just pad level, understanding calls, it’s really going to pay dividends for him down the road.

“But now, making the transition to tackle, he’s played it his whole life other than last year. It’s not like it’s new to him. This will be his first time starting out there and he’s going to grab onto it, own it. His approach every day, his work ethic, all those things are really off the charts. I know he’s already started a great relationship with Justin, so this is just the start to it and we’ll kind of get an idea where we are midway through. But he has high aspirations and he’s a high achiever so when he sets his mind to something, it usually happens.”

Paris Johnson joined Ryan Day’s Ohio State team as a five-star recruit in the On3 Consensus and ranked as the No. 8 overall player.

Ryan Day on Ohio State quarterback CJ Stroud

With CJ Stroud establishing himself as one of college football’s top quarterbacks last season, Ohio State’s quarterback discussion looks much different than a year ago. The Buckeyes face a unique situation with just three quarterbacks on the roster entering spring practice, but head coach Ryan Day is not concerned.

“I think when you dive into CJ, you realize he’s highly motivated,” said Day. “Just the way he came out and played in that Rose Bowl, you can see that he comes out with the mindset that he has something to prove every day. He does. That’s just the way he’s wired. I think that’s what gives him the opportunity to be great.

“Is he great yet? No, he’s not. But he’s on his way there. And I think it’s that approach of, ‘ I have to prove myself every single day.’ I think that’s just the way he was brought up, the way things have happened in his life and I expect him to be that way through this spring and into the preseason, and then into next year. There’s still a lot to prove.”

With no concern about complacency from CJ Stroud, Ohio State looks to make a quick return to the College Football Playoffs.