Ohio State defensive end Khary Wilder and running back Legend Bey have shown flashes, but neither recorded a snap against Iowa. When coach Ryan Day was asked about it, he said that, despite the lack of playing time, the two are on the roster for a reason.
"We wouldn't invest all the time and resources into each player if we didn't want them to play," said Day. Now it's the coach's job to make sure they're checking all the boxes and all the requirements to make sure they've earned the opportunity to get on the field. It's also the player's responsibility to take accountability to check those boxes of all the things that they need to do in order to get on the field."
Wilder, who was a four-star recruit from Junipo Serra High School in Gardena, California,
appeared in OSU's first four games mainly as a pass rusher. That included 16 snaps against Illinois, when he had four pressures, according to PFF. Wilder saw just five snaps during the Buckeyes' 24-23 loss to Texas.
Bey, also a former four-star recruit, saw 10 snaps in the season opener against Ball State and scored a 25-yard touchdown. He has played just four offensive snaps since, none of which came against Iowa or Illinois.
"Nobody just gets on the field because they have talent, but it's the coach's job and the players' job to make sure they're doing all the things that they need to do to earn opportunities to play," said Day. "When that happens, you've seen, we put them on the field. Whether it's a transfer that comes in day one or a freshman, then we'll do that. When guys don't do that, then they haven't earned the opportunity to play. Then they need to do that."
Day expressed a similar sentiment about Bey before the Iowa game. At that time, Day said that while the coaching staff knows Bey's skill level, the running back needs to "continue to work to build trust," particularly through his work in practice.
A handful of freshmen have received regular playing time for Ohio State this season, most notably Jay Timmons. Though he missed last week with an injury, Timmons started at nickel corner and played in 62 snaps against the Longhorns. He has three pass breakups and nine total tackles in four games.
Additionally, Brock Boyd and Chris Henry Jr. have anchored the back end of the wide receiver rotation, and each has over 100 receiving yards.
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Ryan Day explains what's keeping Khary Wilder, Legend Bey off the field
