Ryan Day allowed Ohio State’s quarterbacks to get hit in a recent practice to simulate real-game pressure and develop resilience.
As the Ohio State football team begins its spring practices, head coach Ryan Day has made a strategic decision that has captured the attention of many college football fans: he has allowed the Buckeyes’ quarterbacks to get hit during practice. In a position where players are typically protected from physical contact, this decision is bold and unconventional, but it speaks to Day’s philosophy of preparing his players for the tough, high-pressure situations they will face throughout the season.
Typically, quarterbacks are shielded from unnecessary hits in practice. The reasoning behind this is simple—quarterbacks are invaluable assets to any team. They’re often the focal point of the offense, responsible for executing plays, leading the team, and making quick decisions under duress. Taking too many hits, especially in practice, can increase the risk of injury and impact a quarterback’s development.
However, Ryan Day’s decision to allow the quarterbacks to take hits during practice signals a broader strategy. It’s a conscious effort to simulate the real-game pressures that quarterbacks face in a much more controlled and controlled environment. More than just building toughness, it’s a decision that underscores the importance of mental and physical resilience in the world of college football.
In this piece, we’ll explore the reasons why Ryan Day allowed Ohio State’s quarterbacks to take hits, the potential benefits, and how this decision could help the team’s quarterback room develop resilience and readiness for the rigors of the season ahead.
The Importance of Simulating Real-Game Pressure
One of the main reasons Ryan Day allowed Ohio State’s quarterbacks to get hit in practice is the need to simulate real-game pressure. College football games are intense, high-stress environments where quarterbacks are often under extreme pressure. Whether it’s from a powerful defensive line, an aggressive blitz, or the need to make a game-winning play in the final moments, quarterbacks are constantly tested.
The question for Day and his coaching staff is how to recreate this type of pressure during practice. For many coaches, it is a standard practice to keep quarterbacks out of harm’s way during drills and scrimmages. However, this protection may not adequately prepare quarterbacks for the challenges they will face on the field. Day’s decision to let his quarterbacks take hits is an attempt to replicate the type of pressure they will experience in real games—something that can’t always be mimicked by simply being in the pocket without contact.
Quarterbacks are often tasked with making rapid decisions under duress. They need to be able to read the defense, determine their best option, and release the ball—all while being pressured by pass rushers. Without experiencing this type of pressure in practice, quarterbacks might struggle to maintain composure when it matters most. By allowing quarterbacks to get hit, Day is testing their ability to make smart decisions while facing the intense pressure of a live rush.
Additionally, this decision isn’t just about feeling the heat from the defense; it’s about understanding the chaos of a live game. In football, plays don’t always unfold as expected. The pocket can collapse, receivers can get jammed, and protection can break down at the last minute. By allowing quarterbacks to face real-world conditions, Day ensures they are not just practicing for ideal conditions but learning how to perform when things don’t go according to plan.
Building Resilience Through Adversity
Resilience is an essential trait for any quarterback, especially in high-stakes environments like the Big Ten. Ohio State’s quarterbacks must be able to shake off mistakes, recover from difficult situations, and maintain composure when faced with adversity. In games, a quarterback may take a hard hit, lose a crucial turnover, or fall behind on the scoreboard, all of which can test their mental toughness.
This is where Ryan Day’s decision to let the quarterbacks get hit during practice becomes especially important. Football, more than many other sports, requires a unique blend of physical and mental resilience. A quarterback must be able to take a hit, get back up, and continue executing the offense without losing confidence or focus. The ability to remain mentally sharp under these circumstances is crucial, and Day’s decision to simulate these tough situations builds resilience in his quarterbacks.
Getting hit in practice allows the quarterbacks to experience this kind of adversity in a relatively safe environment. They can learn how to respond to pressure without the consequences of an actual game, where mistakes or lack of focus can be costly. This type of simulated adversity helps quarterbacks build a thicker mental and emotional shield, preparing them for whatever challenges come their way during the season.
As Ohio State prepares for its season, the players must be aware that hits, sacks, and bruising tackles will be part of the experience. Day’s approach is to show the quarterbacks that these hits are not the end of the world but merely a part of the game. The key is to get back up, reset, and execute the next play, and this ability to bounce back from adversity is invaluable for a starting quarterback.
Learning to Cope with Physicality
Quarterbacks, particularly those in the Big Ten, often face significant physical challenges. While not as often hit as running backs, quarterbacks are still subjected to some of the hardest collisions on the field. Defensive linemen, linebackers, and even cornerbacks and safeties are all trained to go after the quarterback, especially in a conference known for its physicality and aggressive defenses.
It’s not just about taking a hit; it’s about how quarterbacks respond to those hits. Learning to deal with physicality is a key component of their development. Ryan Day’s decision allows his quarterbacks to experience first-hand how it feels to get hit by a fast-moving, well-trained defensive player. This kind of physical preparation is essential because it helps quarterbacks develop the muscle memory and the psychological fortitude to survive and thrive in tough, high-pressure situations.
In football, quarterbacks need to be aware of their surroundings at all times. They must know when to stand firm in the pocket and when to roll out or scramble. Day’s decision helps quarterbacks become more comfortable in the pocket, where they must feel pressure and react quickly to avoid unnecessary sacks or to make a quick decision. This helps them develop a better sense of timing and awareness in chaotic situations.
Moreover, quarterbacks often need to anticipate hits. Knowing that the defense is coming and understanding when to release the ball or adjust to avoid a sack can make a difference between a turnover and a successful play. Being hit during practice helps quarterbacks internalize these lessons, ensuring they have the physical readiness to take a blow and keep their focus on the game.
Evaluating Quarterback Performance Under Pressure
At the heart of Day’s decision is the desire to evaluate his quarterbacks under realistic conditions. Ohio State’s quarterback room is always under the microscope, with expectations that the Buckeyes will field an elite signal-caller capable of leading the team to championships. Spring practices are the perfect time to determine which quarterback is ready to step into that role.
By allowing the quarterbacks to be hit, Day is testing their ability to perform under pressure. It’s not enough for a quarterback to simply be talented in practice; they must show that they can handle the physical and emotional toll of being in the spotlight. Day wants to see who can bounce back from a hit, who can stay focused after making a mistake, and who has the poise to lead the offense in difficult situations.
In the Big Ten, where teams like Michigan, Penn State, and Wisconsin are known for their physicality, a quarterback’s ability to handle pressure will determine how far Ohio State can go. Day’s decision is part of his evaluation process to determine which quarterback can lead the Buckeyes effectively through tough matchups and high-stakes games.
Creating Trust and Chemistry with the Offensive Line
Another subtle but significant benefit of allowing quarterbacks to get hit in practice is the way it fosters trust between the quarterbacks and their offensive line. A quarterback must rely on the offensive line to protect them, and the offensive line must trust the quarterback to make quick decisions and move the ball efficiently.
When quarterbacks are exposed to the reality of getting hit, it puts more pressure on the offensive line to deliver effective protection. It also serves as a reminder to the offensive line that they need to give their quarterback as much time and space as possible. By taking hits during practice, the quarterbacks are more attuned to what the line is going through and are more likely to develop a stronger bond with the players protecting them.
