Ohio State should be getting a boost to its secondary Saturday against Western Kentucky.
Buckeyes coach Ryan Day announced that safety Josh Proctor is expected to be back against the Hilltoppers. Procter did not play in Week 2's 35-7 win over Youngstown State.
“He’ll be available and he’ll play a lot," Day said.
Procter, who won the starting free safety job during fall camp, played in the season-opening win over Indiana but was ruled out against the Penguins due to an apparent lower-body injury. He was seen during pregame warming up, but was listed as questionable on Ohio State's pregame report.
The Buckeyes feel content at defensive back, especially with the emergence of freshman Malik Hartford and transfer Ja’Had Carter. Both saw reps Saturday against Youngstown State with the starters and consistently made plays.
Hartford, a four-star recruit from West Chester, recorded one tackle in his lone drive. Carter, who started three seasons for the Orange, recorded a pair of stops.
Day said the plan was for Proctor to play, but Carter and Hartford would still rotate in reps. Day also praised Carter for his attention to detail in coverage and wanted to see him build on his performance against the Penguins.
"He'll keep growing, he'll continue to have opportunities, and he's had opportunities this week and done some good things," Day said of Carter. "He's pushing, so we'll keep growing on it. We know that there's talent there because we saw it when he was at Syracuse, and so now he's getting a better feel for this defense, and hopefully, he'll take the next step as well this week.”
Proctor rotated for specific packages last season, recording 21 tackles and a pass breakup. His best game came against Wisconsin, he totaled a season-high six stops. Against the Hoosiers, he recorded four tackles.
The Buckeyes will need an exceptional day in coverage in hopes of preparing for their Week 4 showdown against No. 9 Notre Dame. The Irish have been one of college football's more consistent passing unit through three games under transfer quarterback Sam Hartman.
Hartman, who posted an ACC-record passing touchdowns (110), has 10 touchdowns against zero interceptions through three games. The Irish will take on Central Michigan in South Bend, Ind.
The Buckeyes kickoff at Ohio Stadium at 4 p.m. The game will be televised on FOX.
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