Ryan Day praised his emerging secret weapon for Ohio State offense after debuting in new role

The Ohio State Buckeyes haven't been trying to run up the score as often as some might like, but there's a clear strategy in place by head coach Ryan Day. He wants this team to balance winning, development, and staying healthy. In order to do that, he's going to utilize his deep roster when given the opportunity.

In last week's blowout win against Minnesota, Day made it a point to get a few players more first-team reps. This not only gave others a break but showed the locker room that there's value in practicing hard and never giving up. As we saw last year with multiple season-ending injuries, giving playing time to offensive linemen can be especially helpful when in a pinch.

Joshua Padilla got his first time with the starters this past week, and Day said after the game that this was a major win for the third-year interior blocker.

Ryan Day recaps why Josh Padilla's early playing time worked

Padilla has played 39 snaps this season between Grambling and Minnesota, and he's already Ohio State's second-best graded blocker by PFF. His 80.7 grade narrowly trails center Carson Hinzman, and is ahead of usual starter Tegra Tshabola by quite a bit (61.8). Here's what Day said about Padilla's 19 snaps against the Gophers.

Day said he thought Joshua Padilla deserved the opportunity to play, so Ohio State gave him the chance to get some first-team reps at right guard against Minnesota. He added that Padilla could have gone in at center as well, but it’s easier to rotate at guard than at center.

Playing 97 snaps as a sophomore in 2024, including 16 against Tennessee in the CFP first round, the former four-star blocker could be a solution sooner than later. While the Buckeyes should be happy with Hinzman thus far, Tshabola has struggled at right guard. The latter has allowed a team-high six quarterback pressures, followed by Hinzman with four.

Only right tackle Phillip Daniels has allowed a sack, which is a compliment to how well Julian Sayin has evaded bad situations with a quick release and decision-making process.

The 6-foot-4, 300-pound Padilla should continue to see the field if Ohio State's internal grading is similar to PFF's. Here was a scouting report of Padilla from 247Sports when he came out of high school.

"Hard-nosed player who plays with great intensity and tenacity. Finishes blocks and is aggressive. Can get off the ball and drive defenders in the run game. Also shows the ability to get out in space and do his job there. He is a solid to good athlete, not currently an elite one. Has also wrestled at a high level and his use of leverage is evident there. He has right tackle experience but figures to move inside at the next level. Projects safely as a college contributor based on the way he plays and his fundamentals. Higher floor guy than he is an upside guy, but should be a Power Five starter and have a chance to work his way towards playing on Sundays."

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