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Sophomore quarterback Justin Fields (1) runs down the field in the first half of the 2019 Spring Game on April 13. Gray beat Scarlet 35-17. Credit: Casey Cascaldo | Multimedia Editor
Fans, students and reporters have waited to see what Justin Fields is reporting to Ohio State.
Head coach Ryan Day
At 12:17 pm – At a press conference originally scheduled for 11:15 a.m. – Day announced that the sophomore quarterback will start for the Buckeyes against Florida Atlantic Aug. 31.
"All guys had good camps, but Justin kind of separated himself last week. He'll be the starter, "said Day. "I put with [the quarterbacks] and told them that it's just going to take place on Saturday. "
Now all the stories and discussions surrounding the Georgia transfer can pivot to focus on the subject of the offense.
"I feel more comfortable than in the spring," Fields said. "When you get a hang of the playbook, you can play faster and the game slows down, and instead of reacting you anticipate what's gonna happen."
What stands out in comparison to Ohio State's 2018 attack is Fields' ability to run the football.
In 12 appearances serving as backup to Jake Fromm, Fields made 42 rushing attempts with just 39 passing attempts. He accumulated 266 yards on the ground.
Combined, Ohio State quarterbacks ran for 228 yards on 101 carries in 2018, four yards less than attempting Fields, despite its limited play time.
"I mean, it's going to be very, very similar. His skill set, he has a lot of different things that Dwayne [Haskins] had, "Day said. "He's a little bit more athletic and faster and stronger. He can run. "
There is a problem when involving an athletic quarterback in any offense. Designed to provide a unique look to defenses, and the ability to scramble and extend plays is good for a passing attack. The latter perk excites redshirt senior receiver C.J. Saunders.
"As receivers in the back half of roads, when he might get flushed out, he can make something happen with his feet," Saunders said.
However, as a day pointed out, running quarterbacks are prone to injury when they take too many hits. A run-first mentality can also cause to scramble too early, creating the potential to miss open receivers.
Running smart was not his focus at Georgia, Fields said. His goals on a play-by-play basis shifted because of his backup role, and as the season progresses, he'll be learning when and how to run a quarterback.
"Last year I was trying to make a play on every play," Fields said. "Definitely have to be smarter this year."
There are bound to be growing breads in his first season starting at a collegiate quarterback. By keeping his focus on the offense and feedback from coaches, Fields hopes to find success with any issues.
"Coach Day talked about, in one of the team meetings, how the team should not look at the outside voices, because we're the ones on the field actually playing," Fields said.
His teammates are confident he'll grow into the role with ease. He's already been through plenty of growth from his transfer to spring to the quarterback battle to 12:17 p.m. on Aug. 19.
"There's been a big difference in him [from his arrival], "Senior receiver redshirt K.J. Hill said. "He's comfortable, feel like he's a quarterback and he acted like it. We fed off his energy. "
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