Football player Rashid Sesay from West Muskingum is set to join Ohio State as a preferred walk-on, and for him, it’s a dream come true. Witnessing Ezekiel Elliott’s national championship win with the Buckeyes in 2014 fueled Sesay’s aspiration to be part of the Ohio State football team. His journey to securing a spot as a running back on the OSU roster marks a rekindled passion for football, reignited with the help of Ohio State and West Muskingum High.
Sesay wrapped up his high school career as a finalist for Ohio’s Mr. Football award, leaving a lasting impact by setting multiple school and league records. Reflecting on his trajectory, Sesay describes it as a “Cinderella story.”
However, 2022 brought challenges as Sesay faced a high ankle sprain days before the start of his junior season, hindering his college recruitment prospects. Despite rebounding in the latter part of the season, he entered his senior spring with doubts about playing at the next level. Feeling overlooked by college recruiters, Sesay initially considered ending his pursuit of college football.
Coach Nate Brownrigg, on the other hand, saw Sesay’s potential differently. Brownrigg, who took over as West Muskingum’s coach in Sesay’s freshman year, recognized the transformative impact Sesay had on the program. While the team had struggled in the previous decade, Sesay’s presence contributed to a turnaround, with 27 wins and consecutive playoff appearances in 2022 and 2023.
Brownrigg, impressed by Sesay’s versatility on the field, sent his film to local colleges, catching the attention of Ohio State. Ed Terwilliger, Ohio State’s director of high school relations, invited Sesay and Brownrigg to an OSU practice before the Peach Bowl in 2022. This exposure, combined with Sesay’s first college visit, left a profound impression on him. Blown away by the coaching staff, players, and facilities, Sesay expressed a strong desire to work for and be a part of Ohio State football. As a preferred walk-on, Sesay is poised to contribute to the Buckeyes’ 2024 season.
Ryan Day and the Ohio State football team transitioned from being the subject of postseason criticism to becoming champions in the offseason.
In Columbus, Ohio, conventional wisdom suggests that Coach Ryan Day, following a third consecutive loss to Michigan, embarked on a radical new agenda. The national perception of the program underwent a significant shift after the disappointing performance at the Cotton Bowl. That night in Dallas, observers witnessed a team coming off a bitter rival defeat taking a nosedive on offense, passing Iowa on the way down. Many anticipated Day’s inclusion on offseason hot-seat lists, awaiting a high-profile replacement.
However, a series of strategic moves unfolded, akin to predictable seismic events. The team, in need of a starting-caliber quarterback, found one in the transfer portal. Coach Day, who had contemplated stepping back from play-calling a year ago, fully committed to that decision. The program, having invested in building a name, image, and likeness infrastructure over the past two years, saw it materialize as a significant strength.
By the time star safety Caleb Downs committed to transferring from Alabama, Ohio State seemed poised to challenge Georgia for the preseason No. 1 ranking, according to social media speculation. Day’s willingness to take bold actions and his newfound ability to generate funds for NIL deals played into the narrative, portraying him as a coach with nothing to lose, leading a well-equipped team.
This perception aligns with reality to a considerable extent.
All in at Quarterback:
It became evident during the Cotton Bowl’s second quarter that Day needed an experienced transfer quarterback. While rumors about Will Howard circulated, bringing in Julian Sayin from Alabama was a particularly ruthless decision. This move surpassed recruiting both C.J. Stroud and Jack Miller III in the same class, showcasing Day’s refusal to take anything for granted.
Some fans expressed concerns about potential disruptions to team chemistry, especially in the quarterback room. However, this move was not a direct response to such worries, as Sayin’s impact would likely be felt a year later. Nevertheless, the pressure from consistently achieving 11-win regular seasons forced coaches to make strategic decisions.
Similar reasoning applied to adding former Ole Miss running back Quinshon Judkins alongside three-year starter TreVeyon Henderson, leading to potential challenges managing a crowded backfield.
Throwing it Around:
The narrative of a lavish, win-at-all-costs spending spree arose when Day claimed a $13 million figure for keeping the roster intact in the summer of 2022. However, caution is warranted regarding the actual hard dollar amounts, as NIL income deals differ from traditional free-agent deals in professional sports.
Insights from the NIL space around Ohio State revealed that NIL discussions were indeed a part of players’ decisions to pass on the NFL Draft and return for another year. While money was not the determining factor, the ability of OSU to reward players through NIL deals served as a valuable benefit.
Although a true NIL war chest capable of writing blank checks may not exist, income from NIL deals increased notably in the past six weeks. Entities like THE Foundation and the 1870 Society contributed to this momentum, with fundraising drives and connecting athletes to marketing opportunities.
Day’s communication strategy with the local business community and his decision to step away from full oversight of the offense contributed to the program’s improved NIL position. This strategic shift paid significant dividends.
Recalibrating the Staff:
While Day opted not to make structural changes in staff decisions in January 2023, he addressed imbalances, such as extending special teams coordinator Parker Fleming. Instead of changing quarterback coaches to facilitate hiring a replacement for Kevin Wilson, Day settled for Brian Hartline’s title bump.
Recent staff moves indicate a conscious decision not to wait for perfect timing. Day parted ways with safeties coach Perry Eliano due to recruiting concerns and fired Fleming for issues affecting the special teams unit. The addition of a 10th assistant to complete the defensive staff will rectify imbalances dating back to 2021.
Aligning the quarterbacks coach and offensive coordinator positions ensures a proven, veteran voice in both spots. Day’s staff organization has become more layered and deep, setting a new standard for the future.
In summary, Ryan Day’s approach appears nuanced and less dramatic than the immediate aftermath of the loss to Michigan. The success of the surge over the past two months will be the ultimate measure of the effectiveness of these changes.
For those seeking assistance with gambling-related concerns, the Ohio Problem Gambling Helpline and the National Council on Program Gambling Helpline are available resources.
