What Ryan Day said following Ohio State's spring game

Ohio State closed out spring practice on Saturday by hosting its annual spring game inside The Horseshoe. It was an offense vs. defense format, with the offense winning 34-26.

There were plenty of takeaways from Saturday’s game, though it was just a scrimmage. The wide receiver room and the running back position both appear to be loaded with talent. CJ Stroud and Jaxon Smith-Njigba appear to be in midseason form. The play at the tight end spot was a pleasant surprise.

Defensively, JT Tuimoloau and Kye Stokes stood out most, frequently making plays throughout the game. New defensive coordinator Jim Knowles tossed out some new looks, bringing different schemes to that side of the ball.

Following the spring game, head coach Ryan Day spoke with the media to recap Saturday’s scrimmage, as well as spring ball in its entirety. Here’s what he had to say:

“Today was very, very basic on both sides of the ball,” Ryan Day says of the scheme.

— Eleven Warriors (@11W) April 16, 2022

Ryan Day: “I’ve been impressed with the tight ends.”

Day said the different types of players in the tight ends room gives them some versatility at the position.

— Eleven Warriors (@11W) April 16, 2022

Ryan Day on Jack Sawyer and J.T. Tuimoloau: “If they continue to build this summer, they’re gonna be a force in the fall.”

— Dan Hope (@Dan_Hope) April 16, 2022

Ryan Day: "The thing about Ohio State is, you're not allowed to lose a game here."

Says he & staff are preaching competitive stamina. Wants the Buckeyes to play physical & aggressive every week.

— Dustin Schutte (@SchutteCFB) April 16, 2022

“He has a lot of wiggle” Ryan Day says of Evan Pryor. “He gives a little wiggle in there, which is nice.”

Day says he’s a “change of pace.”

— Eleven Warriors (@11W) April 16, 2022

Ryan Day said wide receiver Julian Fleming was held out of the spring game because he’s been “day-to-day” with an injury.

— Joey Kaufman (@joeyrkaufman) April 16, 2022

Ryan Day says it's been "exciting" to see new schemes, guys playing with energy and enthusiasm on defense. "It comes at you fast."

— Dustin Schutte (@SchutteCFB) April 16, 2022

Ryan Day on running backs: "I think we have 3 really good running backs. And we've got another one coming in."

Evan Pryor and Miyan Williams both looked good today. And obviously TreVeyon Henderson is still … good.

— Dustin Schutte (@SchutteCFB) April 16, 2022

Ryan Day on wide receivers: "You want to get about 6 guys where you feel comfortable getting in the game. … Depth is very important."

Says Buckeyes are still "Getting there" with 6 wide receivers but feels really good with Top 4-5.

— Dustin Schutte (@SchutteCFB) April 16, 2022

Ryan Day mentions walk-on Xavier Johnson, who led all receivers with 50 yards today, as a receiver who’s had a strong spring.

— Dan Hope (@Dan_Hope) April 16, 2022

Day said C.J. Stroud’s decision to wear the “Haskins Jr.” nameplate was something he “thought long and hard” about.

“I know Dwayne meant a ton for C.J."

— Eleven Warriors (@11W) April 16, 2022

Ryan Day said he was happy with phyisicality of the defense. He said WR Julian Fleming was held out because of an injury. Said he's day to day.

— Bill Rabinowitz (@brdispatch) April 16, 2022