Eric Boggs
R.J. Day, son of Ohio State head coach Ryan Day, recently sat down with The OHIO Podcast Buckeye Lounge for a candid and inspiring interview. The young quarterback gave Buckeye Nation a glimpse into not just his football acumen, but his character, work ethic, and maturity beyond his years. As he heads into his junior season at DeSales High School, it’s clear R.J. is carving his own path — and doing it the right way.
While carrying a recognizable last name in Columbus, R.J. remains grounded and grateful for the support around him. From his teammates and coaches to his family and mentors, he constantly deflects praise and credits others for his early success, including breaking his school’s passing record as a sophomore. His humility is matched by his focus: “I haven’t really done much yet,” he said. “I have a lot to prove.”
Recruiting is heating up for R.J., with thirteen offers on the table and more schools lining up to watch him throw. However, he’s not rushing the process. Instead, he’s taking a deliberate approach — looking for a program with strong coaching, stability, and a foundation that can develop both his skills on the field and his future off it. Family values clearly play a huge role in his decision-making, with academics being emphasized by his mother and development and culture by his father.
On the field, R.J. is a cerebral quarterback who understands the game at a high level. He’s self-aware about the areas he’s working to improve — primarily arm strength — and he’s embracing year-round football through 7-on-7 and private workouts. He’s also taking advantage of being around elite talent, including workouts with Ohio State stars like J.J. Smith and Carnell Tate.
What stood out most in the interview was R.J.’s emotional tribute to the late Dwayne Haskins. The story of Haskins picking up a young R.J. and taking him to a local high school game — just to spend time with him — speaks volumes about the kind of influence Haskins had and the respect R.J. still carries. Every game, he writes “Live Dwayne Haskins” on his wrist as a tribute.
R.J.’s love for football is sincere and deep-rooted. Influenced by players like Bryce Young and Johnny Manziel, he enjoys creating outside of structure, playing “whistle to whistle” and extending plays. But even with the glitz of quarterback stardom on the horizon, he’s just a regular kid for now — enjoying golf with his friends, hanging out with his girlfriend, and soaking in the final chapters of high school life.
Buckeye fans should be proud — not just because of the last name on the jersey, but because of the integrity, vision, and passion this young man carries. R.J. Day may be part of a football legacy, but he’s building one of his own.
