Eric Boggs
Ohio State’s offensive line is shaping up to be a critical component of the team’s success this season, with Coach Justin Frye at the helm ensuring that his linemen are ready for the challenges ahead. Speaking to the media on Thursday, Frye provided valuable insights into the development of key players and the overall depth of the unit.
To watch the interview with Frye, watch the video provided by Buckeye Huddle.
Tegra Tshabola’s Progress
One of the standout players in the offensive line group is Tegra Tshabola. Coach Frye highlighted that while a starter has yet to be named, Tshabola is poised to play a significant role. “He’s earned that,” Frye remarked, emphasizing Tshabola’s growing confidence and the way the game has slowed down for him. Frye noted that Tshabola’s physicality, size, and strength are increasingly evident on the field, especially when matched up against Ohio State’s formidable defensive line.
“The beautiful thing about this place,” Frye said, “is the guys he’s going across with—Tyleek Williams, Ty Hamilton, and Hero Kanu. We’ve got some dudes over there that are showing up.” These tough practice reps have allowed Tshabola to refine his technique, learning from both successes and mistakes.
Building Depth and Versatility
Frye is also focused on building depth across the offensive line. The unit has faced challenges, including a recent bout of illness that forced players to “double dip” in practice, taking on more reps than usual. While this could have been a setback, Frye saw it as an opportunity to build toughness and resilience within the group.
“We’ve built depth at tackle,” Frye explained, mentioning that players like George Fitzpatrick and Zen Michalski have been playing the best football of their careers. Even younger players, like Ian Moore, have stepped up, gaining valuable experience.
Emphasizing Experience and Maturity
Experience is a crucial factor for the offensive line, and Frye is counting on veteran players to lead the group through the rigors of the season. He acknowledged that the line took criticism last year, but sees it as an opportunity for growth. “You’re going to take the criticism,” Frye said, noting that the maturity of the group, particularly players like Donovan Jackson, will be key to their success.
Frye also spoke about the importance of the linemen playing with a clear understanding of their roles, rather than just following the playbook mechanically. “We’re playing more and continue to play more like linemen and not lines on a page,” he emphasized. This level of ownership and understanding is starting to manifest in practice, especially in high-intensity drills against Ohio State’s elite defensive line.
Recruiting and Development in a Changing Landscape
The conversation also touched on recruiting, particularly in the context of NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) and its impact on securing top talent. Frye acknowledged the challenges but stressed that the focus remains on finding players who are committed to development and have a genuine love for football.
“The game of football hasn’t changed. Recruiting changed, yeah, but you’ve still got to take guys that you can go and develop,” Frye said. He pointed to the recent success of players like Paris Johnson Jr., who was a five-star recruit, and others who may not have had the same initial ranking but developed into NFL-caliber players.
Looking Ahead
As the season approaches, Frye is optimistic about the group’s potential. The offensive line may have been a question mark for some, but with the development of players like Tshabola and the depth that has been cultivated across the unit, Ohio State’s front five could become a key strength for the Buckeyes in 2024.
For Frye, the focus remains on continuous improvement and preparing his linemen for the challenges ahead. “It’s still all about the evaluation,” he said. “You have to be a guy that can come here and grow and perform and play.” As the Buckeyes gear up for the season, all eyes will be on how well this group has internalized those lessons.
