Squeeze Bullets: Ryan Day Says TreVeyon Henderson Is ‘Ready To Go’ And Craig Young Moves To ‘Different Role’

The Ohio State head coach reviewed the Buckeyes’ impressive road victory at Rutgers last weekend and looked ahead to Saturday’s meeting with Maryland at Ohio Stadium.

After Day, Buckeye safety Marcus Williamson, fullback / tight end Mitch Rossi and left tackle Nicholas Petit-Frere are all expected to take the mic to address members of the media as the team prepare for their sixth game. of the 2021 season.

Here is a list of everything Day discussed on Tuesday.

Ryan day

• Marcus Williamson has had his best week of training this week, Day says his attitude has been “off the charts”. Day says Williamson had to cut out some distractions in order to concentrate.

• Cam Brown suffers from another injury, hoping he will come out of the back of the most recent one.

• Teradja Mitchell is a “unique situation” as he hasn’t played much football before this season.

• Day says he wishes the Buckeyes had more depth in the linebacker right now, hopes to get Gaoteote back soon.

• On Chris Olave, Day says he has trained very well, that he is “very motivated” but that he has to be altruistic because the opposing defenses will seek to take him out of the game.

• Ryan Day says TreVeyon Henderson is “ready to go” this week. Rookie RB was held out in the second half against Rutgers after taking a big hit.

• Day says Mitch Rossi brings “a lot of versatility” and maturity to the table in the tightest position. Day says he had to embrace the role of accompanist, but he also took advantage of his opportunity along the way.

• Talking about some things on the offensive line against Rutgers, Day says some guys are “slashed” right now, and he feels confident playing six to eight players. Day says he likes what he saw of Matt Jones.

• On depth through the Big Ten: “It’s very, very competitive. When you look at the history of the Big Ten, that’s how it happened.” Day said that “some of the best teams in the country will participate in this conference”.

• Day says he thought it would take Henderson “a little longer than he did” to produce at this level. However, Day says Henderson is mature and his own harshest critic. Day says the team weren’t going to be “dumb” putting him back in a match during a blowout if he wasn’t 100%.

• “We’ve had a good week, and now we have to start over. But there’s a dynamic there.” Day says the team “is not out of the woods yet.”

• On defense against Rutgers: “We changed some looks, we created turnovers.” Day says the team did a good job replicating the look they were going to have against Rutgers.

• On JT Tuimoloau: “These young people had a lot of work to do … it’s a kind of baptism by fire.” Day says it’s “going to pay huge dividends for these guys.”

• On Taulia Tagovailoa: “We have to bring it.” Day says the Buckeyes expect to play against good teams in conference.

• On Craig Young and Ronnie Hickman not splitting the time: “We’re moving Craig into a little different role over there.” Day says the team are trying to put them both on the pitch at the same time.

• Day says he tried to be stable and not panic after losing Oregon. “When you face adversity you have to be really good with the team and understand that better days are coming.” Day says the team has “stabilized the boat”.

• Day says the team designs parts to put Rossi in the best possible position and likes his tight body type although it’s not prototypical.

• On Tyleik Williams: “He’s had a lot to deal with and I have a lot of respect for him as a young man.” Day says “he’ll be on the court anyway.”

• Day says coaches have to take criticism to make matters better, and problems always exist whether the team wins or loses.

• When it comes to generating revenue, Day says it was the second and the pass rush both intensified.

• On Marcus Crowley: “I thought he was running hard and playing hard.” Day said it was “encouraging to see him” take a third goal against Rutgers.

• Referring to the young defensive linemen pushing the veterans, Day says “whenever there is competition it’s a good thing.”

• Day says he’s still keeping an eye on what’s going on in the national landscape, but his focus is always first and foremost on the state of Ohio itself.

• “We did not come suddenly in any way.” Day says the team needs to continue to grow.

• Day says the team has gone more center over the past two years and made a lot of tight two sets, says “the game is cyclical” and a lot of defenses are now designed to stop spreading infractions.

FB / TE Mitch Rossi

• Said getting a scholarship was a “really special moment” for his parents when he called to let them know.

• Rossi says he is “good to trust” and that we get him into the game from the start.

• Rossi had a reunion with Day and Kevin Wilson after graduating last year on a scholarship.

• Would Rossi be more of a tight end or a full-back? “Call me whatever you want, man.”

• Both of Rossi’s parents are originally from Ohio and he grew up being a “big fan” of the state of Ohio. Rossi says he came to visit Max Wray first.

• Rossi says Ohio State hasn’t had an attacking full-back since Zach Boren, but believes his involvement is a testament to the work he’s done.

• “I was just glad Coach Day trusted me enough to call this game into the game.” Rossi says many of his teammates were excited for him after he scored his touchdown on Saturday.

• Rossi says his career at Buckeye has “far exceeded” his expectations. Said he was just considering being a “regular student” at some point.

• During his years as a running back Rossi said he never ran with a fullback. Rossi says the back blocks are more aggressive and downhill than the tight end blocks.

• Rossi says his role as a full-back is more of an H-back role than a tight end.

• Rossi says Coach Day is constantly watching a movie looking for a new wrinkle to add to the offense.

• On CJ Stroud: “We don’t waver behind him, and every week we think the best is able to play.”

• Rossi says standing out on special teams is “super important” and it’s been a great way for him to be recognized for more than one skill.

• Rossi says he’s always loved watching guys like Mike Alstott play backwards, and he’s never hesitated in his approach.

• Rossi credits CJ Saunders among other extras who have shown him a way over the years.

• Rossi says his parents were at Rutgers for the game and his father had “a few tears” in his eyes afterwards.

• “It’s not ‘Mitch Rossi’s position’, but I’m glad I have it now.” Rossi says he doesn’t want the hybrid FB / TE role to be named after him.

• Rossi cites Justin Hilliard as a top rookie who has cut his teeth on special teams for years.