Ryan Day clears the air on a rising Ohio State freshman’s role that fans want on the field badly
Ohio State has a lot of freshman pushing for playing time. Ryan Day’s comment on Khary Wilder gives a more clear picture on what his role is right now.
Ohio State’s 59-3 win over Kent State on Saturday went about as expected for the Buckeyes, who rotated through second- and third-string players against an overmatched opponent.
The blowout gave fans a chance to watch some of the program’s younger talent, but one freshman defensive end’s role remained limited despite an opportunity for more.
Khary Wilder’s role stays specific for now
Khary Wilder has now played in three games for Ohio State, and the Buckeyes have used him on third down specifically, even against a team like Texas. The 6-foot-4, 250-pound freshman figured to have a bigger role against Kent State with starter Zion Grady out with injury. That didn’t really come to fruition. Wilder’s role was essentially that of a third-down pass rusher, and he didn’t see consistent playing time until later in the game.
After the win, Ohio State head coach Ryan Day cleared the air on what Wilder’s role looks like right now.
“For the third down packages, we feel like that’s a really good option for him as we get into conference play and some of the more matchup games, right now that’s where his first step is,” Day stated after the game. “Get in the packages on third down, go get the quarterback, put that in, and really allow him to own that right now.”
It sounds like the Buckeyes are slowly ramping Wilder up and don’t want to put too much on his plate early in the season, which is understandable for a true freshman.
Wilder was an impressive recruit out of California whom defensive line coach Larry Johnson labeled as a guy he wanted. The freshman has clearly earned some trust from the coaching staff to be on the field in third-down situations through three games.
Through the first two games, Ohio State’s defensive line hasn’t been overly impressive. If that continues, there’s going to be more room for Wilder to carve out an expanded role if he can make plays when his number is called. It’s all up to him, but at least there’s some clarity now on what the current role is for the young Buckeye.
Wilder wasn’t the only young player Buckeye fans wanted to see more of on Saturday. Legend Bay tweaked his ankle early in the game and was unable to return after getting just one touch.
The hope is that Bey can be out there for the Buckeyes when they open Big Ten play against Illinois.
