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LGHL Five-star Michigan QB visits Ohio State, Buckeye commits show out at UA Next Camp

Five-star Michigan QB visits Ohio State, Buckeye commits show out at UA Next Camp
Gene Ross via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here

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Five-star 2025 QB Bryce Underwood | Andrew Ivins, 247Sports

Six of Ohio State’s 2024 commits attended the event.

Spring practices may be over, but that doesn’t mean there wasn’t any football activity going on this past weekend in Ohio. A handful of future Buckeyes got an opportunity to compete against some premier talents in the 2024 class, as six current Ohio State commits took part in the Under Armour Next camp at Fortress Obetz. In addition, a big name in the 2025 cycle took the opportunity to check out Columbus.

Underwood visits Ohio State​


It was only about a month ago that Ryan Day found his 2024 quarterback with the commitment of four-star QB Air Noland. There may be some questions about the Ohio State head coach when it comes to game preparation and play-calling, but the one thing that people can’t doubt Day on is his ability to recruit and develop the quarterback position. As such, the process of finding the next big Buckeye QB is already in the works.

With the Under Armour camp taking place not too far away, 2025 five-star quarterback Bryce Underwood took the chance to make the short trip down the road and check out Ohio State's campus.

I will be at THE Ohio State University Today!

— Bryce Jay Underwood (@BryceUnderwoo16) May 7, 2023
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Underwood, a Michigan native, is the No. 1 quarterback and No. 3 overall prospect in the 2025 class, according to the 247Sports Composite. The Buckeyes offered the 6-foot-2 back in December, while Underwood was putting together a ridiculous freshman campaign that saw him throw for nearly 3,000 yards with 39 touchdowns and just four interceptions. Earning MaxPreps Freshman of the Year for his efforts, Underwood helped lead Belleville to a 13-1 record and the Michigan DI state championship.

It is obviously going to be a huge nationwide battle for a player of Underwood’s caliber, with 35-plus offers already under his belt, but it appears this could be another massive showdown between Ohio State and Michigan off the field, as both programs are heavily courting the young QB. There is still way too much time left in this recruitment to get a feel either way, but here is just a little bit of the type of player these schools are after, per 247Sports national recruiting analyst Allen Trieu:

“Ahead of his years physically and looks like he could be a senior or college player already. Has a strong arm with the ability to make throws to any part of the field. Throws a good deep ball and can use touch to give his receivers a chance to go make plays on the ball. [...] Got rid of the ball quickly and was decisive with the ball for the most part. Very good athlete who honestly could be a high-level recruit on defense if he was not such a great quarterback. Uses those legs to escape the rush and extend plays. He looks to throw after escaping but can also take off and be dangerous as a runner. ”
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Future Buckeyes with strong presence at UA camp​


In addition to the positive news of Underwood’s visit, some future Ohio State players also made some headlines on the field themselves with some impressive performances in the Under Armour Next camp. Six OSU commits in total participated in the event, in addition to several other targets in both the 2024 and 2025 classes — two of which took home individual awards among their position group.

Five-star WR Mylan Graham earned wide receiver MVP honors, and also earned himself a spot in the 2024 Under Armour All-American Game with his strong showing. Graham, the No. 4 wideout and No. 19 player overall in 2024, will be making opposing DBs look silly like this in Columbus soon enough.

Ohio State five-star wide receiver 2024 commit Mylan Graham with a catch on a slant in one-on-ones in the Under Armour Ohio camp. pic.twitter.com/97SzeFu73s

— Garrick Hodge (@Garrick_Hodge) May 7, 2023
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The other big standout on the day was Sam Williams-Dixon, who was named one of the MVPs at running back. Williams-Dixon really impressed during the pass-catching portion of the camp, winning a bunch of one-on-one drills down the field. Just a three-star recruit, the Pickerington North product is showing why Ohio State pulled the trigger on him when they did. Of note, Williams-Dixon out-performed fellow Ohio native Jordan Marshall, who is committed to Michigan.

Sam Williams-Dixon wins a rep in one-on-one drills. pic.twitter.com/49Q2wFThs8

— Garrick Hodge (@Garrick_Hodge) May 7, 2023
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Elsewhere, Garrett Stover showed off his coverage skills at linebacker in one-on-one drills, even intercepting a pass intended for the aforementioned Marshall at one point. Underwood looked every bit like the nation’s No. 1 QB that he is currently ranked, as both he and fellow 2025 Ohio State quarterback target Ryan Montgomery — the only two QBs in the cycle in Buckeye offers — were selected as MVPs at their position. The duo earned invitations to Under Armour‘s Future 50 camp with their performances.

Quick Hits​

  • There’s a reason people are so enamored by the potential of five-star Ohio State commit Jeremiah Smith. Taking home the gold in the 110M hurdles in the Class 1A-4 Regionals, Smith makes it look way too smooth and easy for a guy who stands at 6-foot-3, 198 pounds. The nation’s No. 1 WR and No. 2 overall player in 2024, it’s no secret why he’s being compared to guys like Julio Jones and Calvin Johnson coming out of high school...
‍♀️ ‍♂️REGIONALS: CLASS 1A-4 ‍♀️ ‍♂️@Jermiah_Smith1 won the 110m hurdles at 14.67 seconds. @JCosbyMosley placed second in the 110m hurdles at 15.18. @JoshuaLu1z placed third at 15.21. @ljbsaun @EricKresser @Dameon8 @TBSAthletics1 @CMLions_Sports @TheCribSouthFLA @FHSAA pic.twitter.com/pcMiLJyM3E

— New Era Prep (@EraPrep) May 6, 2023
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LGHL Biggest Concern: Ohio State’s offensive line questions could waste a year of elite playmakers

Biggest Concern: Ohio State’s offensive line questions could waste a year of elite playmakers
Chris Renne via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here

Syndication: The Columbus Dispatch

Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK

Ohio State’s offensive line answered some questions about who will play this fall during the spring, but it definitely raises concerns about the level they might reach as a unit.

From now until preseason camp starts in August, Land-Grant Holy Land will be writing articles around a different theme every week. This week is all about our Biggest Concerns. You can catch up on all of the Theme Week content here and all of our Biggest Concerns here.

Ohio State has gained a reputation for having one of the most prolific offenses in the country year in and year out under head coach Ryan Day. The image surrounding Ohio State has been high-level quarterback play, an explosive running game, dynamic pass catchers, and most years, a solid offensive line.

Entering the offseason the three biggest question marks coming into the offseason were who the new quarterback would be, could the secondary improve, and how would the offensive line fare after losing three players to the NFL draft. The first question is trust that Ryan Day will make the right decision about who is starting while bringing them along like the past three quarterbacks. On the second question, there was evidence in the Spring Game and effort in the transfer portal to bolster the cornerback room.

Where there has been no confidence or evidence that this year will be a success up front, is on the offensive line. The Buckeyes had one of their best offensive lines in recent memory last year, but still failed to produce consistently in short yardage. Previously the Buckeyes experimented with a four-tackle offensive line, and before that in 2020, they actually had a pretty well-balanced offensive line inside and out.

There are quite a few reasons for this starting with recruiting, but even with the underwhelming recruiting, there is no excuse for the offensive line to be built like this. Other years have been built with lower-ranked recruits, but that doesn’t mean it will always work out though leading to my biggest concern. Will the offensive line recruiting finally hold back the skill talent, and waste a year of elite playmakers?

Down Recruiting

At the end of last season, the assumption was that Paris Johnson Jr. and Dawand Jones were going to take the next step going pro. Then everyone was set waiting for the decisions of Luke Wypler and Matt Jones, many assumed Wypler would stay, but his declaration made it so the Buckeyes will be replacing three starters this Fall. The issue is the Buckeyes were relying on young players, and early developmental pieces like Jones ahead of schedule. This is because the recruiting has not been where it has needed to be.


Now bear with me on the large table, there is a lot of recruiting data here that needs to be discussed. First and foremost, when the Buckeyes have landed a high-level recruit they have either started a game or have been drafted. Seeing the success of Paris Johnson Jr. is no surprise, and having Donovan Jackson as a multi-year starter ended up being a necessity. If you take out those two players though, the highest-ranked recruit is Matt Jones who will be a three-year starter after his sixth season.

The reason that is important is that three hits on the list have been top-75 recruits, which is an expectation when they are landed. Ohio State landed three of them in that range total over the last four recruiting classes plus Jones who is a holdover from the 2018 class. Seeing that the Buckeyes have successfully developed the three best offensive linemen they have is a testament to the players.

The main issue is after those three players the average recruiting ranking of the others is 303.6. Ohio State hit on Dawand Jones, but looking down the list, there are eight freshmen and sophomores who should not be expected to play yet. That leaves nine upperclassmen who are ranked anywhere from just outside 100 to the 900s that are on the roster and are probably not going to make an impact.

The Buckeyes projected starting offensive line is Josh Fryar (510) left tackle, Donovan Jackson (19) at left guard, Carson Hinzman (177) or Jakob James (852), Matt Jones (68) 6th-year right guard, and an unsettled right tackle position with Tegra Tshabola (104) or Zen Michalski (306). As you can once again see, there has not been a lot of margin for error created in recruiting hence the work in the portal, and the Buckeyes will be relying on a few players to outperform their recruiting ranking to be successful this year.

Recent draft and offensive success in spite of recruiting

Since 2019 the Buckeyes have had nine offensive linemen drafted which lines up with the underwhelming recruiting rankings. On the field, the Buckeyes have been solid in pass protection and on the ground with the team ranking in the top 10 in yards per play since Ryan Day took over.

Now even with the success the Buckeyes have had on the field, and in the draft, there is always a limit to the mistakes that are made. Coach Studrawa – or he who must not be named if you listen to the show — was able to coach up some units that paved the way for a 2000-yard rusher, and a single-game rushing yard record holder. There have been growing pains, but even with the success of the offense Ohio State was not reaching the level it needed to be on the offensive line.

The Buckeyes now have Justin Frye, who is working with better talent than he has at any of his previous employers. Last season, he had a gap year in his first year with five draft picks on his line, this year he has two returning starters. The line will either be super young, or the Buckeyes will be turning it over once again.

For the Buckeyes to continue to have success, this will all be on the shoulders of the offensive line. Ohio State has found ways to be successful with these lower-ranked players in the past, but after having an incredibly talented line from a recruiting standpoint last year, there is now not that luxury. This line can be a disaster if the group does not come together.

What is needed this season for success​


This season will be a success if the Buckeyes can find success on the ground consistently and keep the first-year starting quarterback on his feet. The Buckeyes have Marvin Harrison Jr. on the outside, Emeka Egbuka in the slot, and Julian Fleming. In the backfield, they have backs who don’t need a lot of room to hit home runs. Looking at the talent on offense, the offensive line just has to not be detrimental.

The expectation should not be first-round production, but this offensive line has to be good enough to not have game plans broken by elite edge rushers and be able to dominate lesser teams. If the Buckeyes can show promise against a well-coached Notre Dame front, they will have two weeks to improve further before Penn State.

This group does not have to win the Joe Moore Award, but it can not rank near the bottom of the offensive lines in the conference, and it definitely can not be seen as an offensive line ranking outside of the top 20 best units if they want to compete for a national title. For the offensive line, they have time, but the time between now and the first game is shorter than the coaching staff is probably hoping for at the moment.

For the Buckeyes, if the line is not functional, it will not matter if they have Marvin Harrison Jr. at receiver, anybody at quarterback, or whoever lines up at running back. It all starts up front, and if this group fails to develop the team will not reach its yearly expectations. No beating Michigan, no Big Ten title, and definitely no college football playoff.

This is by far the biggest concern for the Buckeyes because if the offensive line is not successful, this Ohio State team will not be.

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LGHL Biggest Concern: Ryan Day has peaked as Ohio State head coach

Biggest Concern: Ryan Day has peaked as Ohio State head coach
Brett Ludwiczak via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here

2022 Big Ten Conference Football Media Days

Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images

During his four years as Buckeye head coach, Day has lost to Michigan twice and failed to win the CFP in three appearances.

Just how high are expectations for Ohio State on a yearly basis? One loss can ruin a season, especially if that loss comes to Michigan. Head coach Ryan Day is feeling the heat after two straight losses to the Wolverines. While many were hoping that Day could channel the energy Jim Tressel and Urban Meyer had against That Team Up North, lately Day is coaching more like John Cooper against Ohio State’s biggest rival.

Day recovered from the most recent loss against Michigan to push Georgia to the limit in the Peach Bowl before a puzzling decision at the end of the game allowed the Bulldogs to survive and move on to the College Football Playoff National Championship Game. Under Day, Ohio State has made the College Football Playoff three times, but have failed to win the title in those appearances, only making the championship game once.

There’s no question Ohio State has the talent to make another CFP appearance this season, especially with some of the skill position players that are returning on offense. What is unknown is can the defense make strides in Jim Knowles’ second season, and can Day handle giving up some of the play calling on offense? If Day and the rest of the coaching staff can’t fix those issues and halt a two-game losing streak against Michigan and don’t make the College Football Playoff, then it’s going to be an even longer offseason in 2024.

Syndication: Tallahassee Democrat
Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK

In Day’s defense, college football has changed so much from when he took over as the head coach in Columbus following the retirement of Urban Meyer after the 2018 season. Since then, not only has there been the introduction of the transfer portal, NIL is also a huge part of recruiting now. Now Day and his coaching staff have to recruit high school prospects, try to figure out what NIL packages they can help new and current players get, as well as keep current players happy to try and keep them out of the transfer portal, all while evaluating those in the portal to see if they might be interested in coming to Ohio State if there is mutual interest.

With all of his responsibilities on and off the field, it’d be hard to blame Day if the NFL came calling and he decided to return to the professional ranks. Day already has an idea of what is asked of NFL coaches since he spent time as quarterbacks coach for the Philadelphia Eagles and San Francisco 49ers. Even though the transition from college football to the NFL has been tough for a lot of coaches that have made the jump, at least Day has some previous experience in the ranks.

When Day was acting head coach during Urban Meyer’s suspension in 2018, as well as when he took over full time at the end of the season, we saw a loose head coach that wasn’t scared to mix it up on offense. Over time, it feels like Day sometimes is trying to fit a square peg into a round hole with some of his play calls. There are times when coaches get told they are geniuses and they start to think whatever they do is going to turn to gold. It doesn’t quite work that way. Just look at this year’s game against Northwestern. There was no reason for C.J. Stroud to throw 26 times in what was essentially a hurricane in Evanston.

We saw the same things with Urban Meyer during his coaching career. There is no reason why Meyer shouldn’t have spent at least 15 years coaching Florida. The problem is, Meyer’s expectations were so high and what he demands from his players and assistant coaches can not only wear on them, but it also wore Meyer down as well. Then Meyer takes a year off and comes to Columbus and it felt like he was on the same trajectory. Even though the Zach Smith scandal played a big role in ending his time with the Buckeyes early, nobody was expecting him to coach for another 10 years at the school.

This season will mark the fifth season Day is head coach of Ohio State, and I just don’t see another five years in the cards for him in Columbus. There feels like there is too much pressure on him to win for him to stick around that long. I know head coaches love a challenge, but I don’t think Day can take too much more of people coming up to him in the produce section of Kroger and giving him their input on how he should coach. Day might joke about things like that happening, but you know inside it eats at him since head coaches are perfectionists.

Maybe Day is different from so many other coaches that have had to make some changes in their coaching style. Who knows, Brian Hartline could be even better at calling plays than we are all hoping he is. If Hartline really takes to his new responsibilities and allows Day to fully embrace a role where he is more CEO than head coach. Even if that happens, how long will it be before other schools are calling Hartline to be their head coach and Day is back in the same spot?

Syndication: Tallahassee Democrat
Barbara Perenic/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK

There’s no question that Day knows how to coach. Just look at what he was able to do against the eventual two-time national champs on New Year’s Eve in Atlanta. What is concerning is to get that type of performance from his team, Day essentially had to lock himself in a bunker and eat game tape for a month. Day can’t revert back to that type of preparation, or else he is going to burn himself out. He has to have some trust in those around him, and we have seen how hard it can be at times for coaches to trust their assistants.

Hopefully I’m wrong and we see Day in Columbus for another 20 years and the Buckeyes win another five national titles. Unfortunately I’ve seen how college football can grind up and spit out coaches, especially those that seem like they are at the top of the sport. Even though it’s not quite at the level we see in soccer sometimes with turnover of coaches, but the life span isn’t nearly what it used to be.

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