How is Ohio State’s spring being altered by Ryan Day? The Athletic, along with C.J. Hicks’ move and further lessons
As spring football kicks off at Ohio State, the Buckeyes’ annual spring practices are a vital part of the team’s preparation for the upcoming season. For head coach Ryan Day, spring practices serve as an opportunity to refine the skills of returning players, integrate new recruits, and solidify the foundation for another championship-caliber season. This spring, however, is particularly significant as it marks the beginning of a critical phase in Ohio State’s evolution. Under Day’s leadership, Ohio State has firmly established itself as one of the most powerful programs in college football, but the challenges ahead require continual adjustments and innovations.
The spring practice period is often filled with change and opportunity, and for the Buckeyes, this year is no different. Day’s approach to this spring has been shaped by a few key developments, including the evolving role of the team’s defense, the move of standout linebacker C.J. Hicks, and the opportunity to further develop leadership and consistency on both sides of the ball. As Day looks to further establish a balanced, high-performing program that can compete with the best in the nation, his influence on the spring practices has been transformative.
Ryan Day’s Vision for Ohio State This Spring
Ryan Day has a clear vision for Ohio State this spring, one that involves building on the success of previous seasons while adapting to the changing dynamics of college football. With national championship aspirations in mind, Day is focused on honing the team’s strengths, addressing areas of weakness, and nurturing the leadership that will drive the team throughout the fall. Under Day, Ohio State’s spring practices have always been a mix of high intensity and developmental opportunity. Every player is under scrutiny as they are pushed to their limits, but Day’s leadership ensures that the focus remains on team unity, growth, and performance.
One of the core tenets of Day’s coaching philosophy has been creating a culture of excellence that transcends individual talent. He has consistently preached the importance of cohesion between offensive and defensive units, even as Ohio State has been known for its potent offensive attack under his tutelage. However, Day has recognized that for Ohio State to truly contend for championships in an era of fierce competition, the defense must be as formidable as the offense.
This spring, Day is concentrating on bolstering the defense, focusing on developing depth and consistency in key positions. With the addition of new defensive coordinator Jim Knowles in the 2022 season, Ohio State took its first steps toward a more aggressive and disciplined defense, and Day has continued to empower Knowles to implement schemes that will counter the offensive juggernauts that populate the Big Ten and the national landscape. This spring, the emphasis is on continuity in the defense and making sure that defensive players fully grasp the philosophy of Knowles’ system. For Day, spring football is the perfect time to perfect this balance and ensure that Ohio State’s defense is just as capable as its high-powered offense.
The Role of C.J. Hicks: A Move Toward Leadership and Versatility
One of the most significant changes this spring is the role of C.J. Hicks, the highly touted linebacker who came to Ohio State as one of the most highly ranked recruits in the country. Hicks’ potential has been widely recognized since his high school days, where he showcased elite talent and athleticism. His early time at Ohio State has already generated significant excitement, and as spring practice rolls around, he is expected to play a central role in the team’s defensive resurgence.
Hicks, a versatile linebacker, is a critical part of Ryan Day’s efforts to improve Ohio State’s defense. Last season, Hicks played a limited role but showed flashes of the potential that made him a top recruit. This spring, Day is pushing Hicks to take on a larger responsibility as a leader in the linebacker corps. Hicks’ transition from a freshman to a more prominent player this spring is a key moment in his development as a leader and as a player who can influence the defense on every level.
The linebacker position is a key focal point for Ohio State this spring, as the Buckeyes have been working to solidify their depth and find the right balance between physicality and speed. Hicks’ ability to play multiple roles — whether as an inside linebacker or as an outside rusher — has made him a perfect fit for Knowles’ defensive schemes, which often emphasize versatility and flexibility. Day and Knowles have made it clear that Hicks is expected to step up as a potential game-changer in this defense, and this spring will be the proving ground for Hicks to earn that distinction.
C.J. Hicks’ Move: A Step Toward Leadership
C.J. Hicks’ move to a more significant role in the defense is part of Day’s broader plan to cultivate leadership from within. Hicks’ presence on the field is not only about his raw talent but also about his maturity and ability to communicate effectively with his teammates. Leadership development is something Day has placed considerable emphasis on during spring practices. As the defense evolves under Knowles’ system, Hicks is expected to be one of the primary players who will keep his unit aligned and performing at a high level.
In addition to Hicks, other young players will be given opportunities to step up and contribute, with Day working closely with them to develop their confidence and awareness on the field. This isn’t just about physical conditioning; Day is determined to ensure that each player fully understands their role in both defensive and offensive schemes. Hicks, as a linebacker with a versatile skill set, embodies the type of player that Day wants to develop — a player who can both execute his role and provide leadership in crucial moments.
The Athletic’s Take: Ryan Day’s Strategic Adjustments
As Ohio State’s spring practices unfold, The Athletic has highlighted several key themes in their analysis of Ryan Day’s approach to this offseason. One of the key areas of focus has been Day’s strategic adjustments to the offense, which has seen some evolution in recent seasons. While Ohio State’s offense under Day has always been explosive, the need for more balance has become increasingly apparent, especially after their narrow losses in big games against top-tier competition.
The Athletic points out that Day has moved to adjust Ohio State’s offensive playbook, shifting toward a more versatile system that includes a stronger emphasis on the running game, which was sometimes underutilized in previous seasons. With players like Miyan Williams and Travion Henderson returning to the backfield, Day has worked to build a more balanced attack that can both air the ball out and grind it out on the ground when necessary. This spring, the focus is on getting the offensive line to play at a higher level to support this more balanced approach.
At the same time, Day has continued to refine the passing game, particularly by ensuring that Kyle McCord (the likely starting quarterback) is fully ready to take over the reins. McCord has shown flashes of brilliance, but his development is something Day is taking great care to nurture throughout the spring. The athleticism of Ohio State’s receiving corps, led by players like Marvin Harrison Jr., will continue to be a huge weapon in the passing game. Day’s ability to maintain the explosive nature of the offense while creating balance will be vital to Ohio State’s success moving forward.
Further Lessons from Ryan Day’s Spring Practices
Spring football at Ohio State under Ryan Day is always more than just drills and scrimmages. It is a time for the team to learn vital lessons, from improving individual techniques to fostering a sense of unity among the players. Day has made it clear that spring football is an opportunity to experiment, to identify strengths and weaknesses, and to teach lessons that will set the team up for success in the fall.
One of the most important lessons Day has emphasized is the development of mental toughness and consistency. Ohio State has often found itself in tight games against top-tier opponents in recent years, and Day has worked hard to cultivate a mentality that embraces pressure rather than shying away from it. This spring, he is emphasizing situational football, putting players in pressure-filled situations to see how they respond. Whether it’s a late-game scenario or a tough third-down situation, Day is making sure the Buckeyes are mentally prepared for the challenges ahead.
Another lesson Day has been working on is adaptability. With the college football landscape constantly changing, teams must be able to adjust to a variety of styles of play. Day’s focus on versatility — both on offense and defense — ensures that Ohio State can respond to whatever challenges come its way. In this spring session, Day is focused on creating multiple layers of depth in every position group, ensuring that no matter what happens, the Buckeyes have the talent and skills to compete.
A Spring Shaping Ohio State’s Future
Ryan Day’s spring practices are shaping Ohio State’s future by emphasizing growth, leadership, and versatility. With C.J. Hicks taking on a more significant role and Day’s strategic adjustments to both the offense and defense, Ohio State is positioning itself for another championship run. As spring football continues, Day will continue to fine-tune the Buckeyes, ensuring they are ready to compete at the highest level come fall. The lessons learned during these practices, the growth of players like Hicks, and the adjustments to the team’s overall approach will all play crucial roles in Ohio State’s pursuit of excellence in the upcoming season.
