Ohio State Buckeyes: Day envisions returnees helping team, themselves

“I think that’s what a lot of them understood was that it’s one thing to go, be able to play in the NFL. It’s another thing to be ready when you get there, and I think that these guys understand that,” Day said.

Receiver Chris Olave, tight end Jeremy Ruckert and defensive end Tyreke Smith passed on the chance to enter the draft three years after graduating high school (the earliest the NFL allows).

On top of that, left tackle Thayer Munford, defensive tackles Haskell Garrett and Antwuan Jackson and defensive back Marcus Williamson all took advantage of the NCAA granting an extra year of eligibility for those who want it.

While the draft stock of any and all of those players is just a guess before they go through the NFL’s scouting process, Day hopes to see them rewarded for their patience.

“There’s so many people that just want to run to the NFL and go start making money and that’s great, but at the end of the day you have to perform and you have to produce,” said Day, who coached quarterbacks in the NFL for the Eagles and 49ers. “So what allows you the best opportunity once you’re there? If they’re going to be paying you money to play, they’re not really interested in developing you all that much. They swant you to produce when you get there.”

Every player’s path to the NFL is different, and each faced his own personal circumstances in deciding what to do next.

The decisions of Olave and Munford registered as the biggest surprises if for no other reason than they are already multi-year starters while the others are less experienced.

But in each case, Day pointed out another year in the weight room with strength and conditioning director Mickey Marotti could pay dividends after the coronavirus pandemic altered the offseason program and canceled most of spring practice.

Development during the season was also disrupted as various players were sidelined by positive COVID-19 tests or contact tracing, and multiple games were canceled for the same reason.

“They’ll have a whole season now where they can prepare physically to be really good players in the fall and have a whole, full season, so I think when you combine all of those things that’s the reason they came back” said Day, who also mentioned suggested personal relationships played a part.

“I think a lot has to do with their brothers and how much they love being around their teammates, so we’re very, very excited to get those guys back and that gives us a huge boost as we head into the spring.”

Day no doubt hopes to get the same kind of boost from his surprise returnees as Alabama coach Nick Saban did this past season en route to an unbeaten season and national title.

The Crimson Tide, who finished the season by routing Ohio State in the national championship game, got major contributions along the way from multiple high-profile players who passed on entering the draft with eligibility remaining.

That group included standout left tackle Alex Leatherwood, star running back Najee Harris and Heisman Trophy-winning receiver DeVonta Smith.

“I think what we try to do is be realistic with the players in terms of helping them make a good business decision for them and their family,” Saban replied when asked about how he counsels players on whether or not to stay in school or go pro. “It’s ultimately their decision, and I think that we try to make them aware of how the money sort of goes down in the draft, and do you have a chance to improve your value if you stay and play college football.

“There’s no developmental league in football. Baseball has minor leagues. Hockey has a minor league. The NBA has a G-League or whatever it is, so the one place that you can continue to develop and create value for yourself is to stay in school.

“If your draft grade is not what you think it could be, then you have a chance to enhance your value, and when you enhance your value and the guaranteed money that you get, it also creates security for you and is really the best way to help your family.”

Of course, there is no guarantee returning turns out well for the team or a player’s draft stock.

Shaun Wade was thought to be a potential late first-round pick last year, but he returned to Ohio State with two goals in mind: Showing scouts he could play outside cornerback and helping the Buckeyes win the national championship.

The team fell short of the latter, and he endured personal ups and downs on the field as the season went on and multiple talented receivers put up big numbers against him.

However, Wade said he had no regrets about his decision.

“Oh, yeah, definitely it was worth it,” Wade said after the title game. “I see myself growing as a man and as a team, and all the young guys growing as men, all the things that we went through, the adversity, I’m happy I came back, and I’m just glad we got here. I’m upset we didn’t get the win, but I’m definitely happy I came back and accomplished some big things with this team. I’m proud of them. I’m proud of everybody.”