Xavier Johnson and Will Howard chat between reps during Ohio State's Pro Day at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center on Wednesday.Credit: Caleb Blake | Photo Editor
The NFL Draft is quickly approaching, the moment nine Buckeyes have been waiting for.
In preparation, Ohio State held its annual pro day at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center on Wednesday, giving draft prospects one last chance to show off their skills in front of NFL officials. This time it was home ground. Wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr., a likely top-five pick, and running back Myan Williams were not in attendance, but both were in attendance to support their high-profile teammates.
Participating in the workout were linebackers Tommy Eichenberg and Steele Chambers, safety Josh Proctor, defensive lineman Michael Hall Jr., tight end Cade Stover, and offensive lineman Matthew. Jones and wide receiver Xavier Johnson.
Johnson, who did not receive an invitation to the 2024 NFL Combine in early March, said he doesn't think that will affect his mindset heading into his pro day, because at the end of the day, his dream was always to play football. He said no. At a professional level.
“For me, it was a situation that had been going on all my life. [in] It’s a tough battle,” Johnson said. “It wasn't a run-and-flight situation.”[ed] My tail ended up in the garbage dump. Okay, I feel like I need to try harder. ”
The Buckeyes are accompanied by six former players who started their college football careers at Ohio State but have transferred to other schools, including wide receiver Sam Wiglesh (Ohio University) and linebacker Sam Wiglesh (Ohio University). That includes Ryan Batch (Murray State University), safety Jasen Wint (Marshall), cornerback Darryl Sinclair (Dominican Republic, Ohio), Marcus Hooker (Youngstown State University) and Amir Reep (Lincoln University). ).
Participants started the day in the weight room before heading to the indoor field to complete several more drills, including the 40-yard dash, long jump, and individual position drills with position-specific coaches.
Several current players participated in each practice, including junior defensive ends Jack Sawyer and JT Tuimorow, quarterbacks junior Devin Brown and graduate Will Howard, who threw in a workout for the offensive playmakers.
“Today was their day. I wanted them to know that and I thought it would be fun to just go out there and throw routes with guys who haven't been able to throw with them before. ” said Howard.
Houston Texans quarterback CJ Stroud also participated, surprising NFL scouts at his pro day last year by throwing just shy of 60 passes that day. He was selected No. 2 overall in the 2023 NFL Draft and won Offensive Rookie of the Year.
“[I still have] There are still many great relationships here, [I] I just wanted to thank my brothers for supporting me this past year and give back,” Stroud said. “I think everyone did a good job today, so I’m proud of them.”
Official times and scores have not been released to the media.
As of now, Harrison is the only Buckeye projected to be drafted in the first round. ESPN The “best available” player.
The 2024 NFL Draft will be held from April 25th to April 27th at Campus Martius Park and Hart Plaza in Detroit.
