Ohio State Buckeyes head coach Ryan Day has made quite a name for himself in college football, but recently, his players got a glimpse of his past as a quarterback at the University of New Hampshire. A highlight reel showcasing Day's college performances sparked laughter and playful banter among his current players, including quarterback Julian Sayin, wide receiver Jeremiah Smith, and safety Jaylen McClain.
In a clip shared by CBS Sports, the Buckeyes reacted to various plays from Day's college career, which spanned from 1999 to 2001. McClain expressed surprise at Day's ability to run the ball, commenting, "I’m not going to lie, I didn’t know he was a running type quarterback," after watching a clip of Day scoring a rushing touchdown.
Smith joined in on the fun, laughing as he noted Day's fist-pump celebration after a touchdown, exclaiming, "QB Power? OK!" The players were particularly impressed by a highlight showcasing Day's game-winning touchdown pass against Dartmouth, with Sayin acknowledging, "He was good. He had Chip Kelly calling plays for him too, which is pretty cool." This reference to Kelly, who later became a prominent head coach at Oregon and in the NFL, underscores the caliber of coaching Day experienced during his time as a player.
McClain also praised Day's poise during a play, stating, "Rolled out, stayed poised, took the hit, I respect it. I didn’t expect nothing less." This sentiment reflects the respect the players have for their coach, who has transitioned from a successful playing career to leading one of the top programs in college football.
In a lighthearted moment, McClain was asked if he could intercept a pass thrown by Day during their playing days. He confidently replied, "Absolutely." Sayin, on the other hand, was posed with a more personal question regarding who he believed was the better player in their prime, himself or Day. With a smile, he stated, "I’ve got to say me, but coach Day was a good player back in the day." This playful exchange highlights the camaraderie and competitive spirit within the Ohio State locker room.
Ryan Day's accomplishments as a quarterback are noteworthy. He finished his college career with a remarkable 8,492 total offensive yards and 53 touchdown passes, boasting a completion percentage of 59.9. Notably, he was the first quarterback at New Hampshire to attempt over 1,000 career passes, setting nine program records during his tenure. After hanging up his cleats, Day transitioned into coaching, starting as a tight ends coach at UNH before eventually making his way to Ohio State.
As the Buckeyes prepare for another competitive season, moments like these serve to strengthen the bond between players and coaches, reminding them of the shared journey in the world of college football. Ryan Day's legacy as both a player and a coach continues to inspire his team, as they look to build on their successes in the upcoming season.
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