Story by
Could Ohio State football's right guard battle be settled soon?
- Story by
- Could Ohio State football's right guard battle be settled soon?
Now that the most important position battle for Ohio State has been settled, the only other major one might be starting to gain clarity.
On Thursday, Buckeyes coach Ryan Day announced that graduate transfer Will Howard had won the quarterback competition over Devin Brown and three freshmen.
Aug 1, 2024; Columbus, OH, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes offensive lineman Tegra Tshabola (77) runs during football camp at the Woody Hayes Athletic Complex.
Day also appeared to signal that Tegra Tshabola has gained the upper hand for the right guard spot on the offensive line.
Advertisement
Tshaboloa, a 6-foot-6, 327-pounder from West Chester, is a natural tackle. But Josh Simmons and Josh Fryar are returning starters at that position, and coaches believe Tshabola can play guard.
It's not unprecedented for Ohio State to make such a move. Paris Johnson Jr.'s first year as a starter was at guard before he moved to his natural spot at tackle and became the sixth overall pick in the 2023 NFL draft.
Tshabola has been competing primarily at right guard with Carson Hinzman , last year's starter at center. Alabama transfer Seth McLaughlin is the favorite to start at center this year. Day said he has probably been OSU's most consistent lineman in camp.
Day has also heaped praise on Hinzman. The junior was one of 10 OSU Iron Buckeye recipients for his offseason work.
Mar 7, 2024; Columbus, OH, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes offensive lineman Luke Montgomery (51) and offensive lineman Carson Hinzman (75) work out during spring football practice at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center.
But Hinzman has been among several linemen who've missed time in training camp because of illness.
Advertisement
"We've finally gotten through some of this, this funky illness that's going on," Day said. "We're finally getting these guys out there, but we're just a little bit behind there. Tegra has been there the whole time and has really showed improvement."
Asked if Tshabola was getting reps at tackle in case Simmons or Fryar are injured, Day said he wanted Tshabola to stay at guard to master that position.
Offensive coordinator Chip Kelly said he believes Tshabola is mobile enough to play guard.
"I think Tegra is really athletic and can really sink his hips," he said. "He's really long. You can play long on the offensive line and keep defensive linemen away from people because of your length.
Advertisement
"That's a really big deal for us. We like offensive linemen that are big because big people beat up little people."
Get more Ohio State football news by listening to our podcasts.
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Tegra Tshabola making strong push for Ohio State's right guard spot
