COLUMBUS, Ohio — Spring practice hasn’t been all too kind to the Buckeyes football team, and offensive line coach Greg Studrawa added another player to the list of those who have a few nicks and bruises.
Studrawa said Wednesday that junior offensive lineman Dawand Jones is “a little banged up right now,” but he expects Jones to return by the end of spring practice.
“I haven’t had him for a couple days here. But up until that point, he was really, really doing well,” Studrawa said. “He was coming along.”
Jones made his first-career start Dec. 5 at Michigan State where he slotted at left tackle. He was listed as ‘unavailable’ on the Buckeyes status report for the National Championship Game against No. 1 Alabama on Jan. 11.
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Studrawa has widely praised Jones’ physical capabilities and competitive drive, including the Buckeye’s multi-sport athleticism that was on display as he was a prep basketball player.
Despite his absence the last few days, Jones received high praise from Studrawa for his effort into his getting his body in the right place. He's currently listed as 6-foot-8 and 360 pounds.
“He’s got his weight down to the best it’s been in a long time, he’s in good shape, and really, was really playing well,” Studrawa said. “So again, there’s another guy as he comes along and develops in his first spring. As he continues to come along, he continues to develop.”
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Jones is among the 11 offensive linemen, according to Studrawa, who hasn’t experienced a full spring-practice gamut.
Head coach Ryan Day said he believes the younger Buckeyes have picked up from the loss of time rather quickly through virtual team meetings and non-padded practices.
“Our young guys are really sharp. They’re really good students, they pick up things very well, very intelligent," Day said Monday. "So that part’s great, it’s just literally going out there and doing it physically. That’s the part where we just got to go and we can’t make up for that. They’ll learn quickly, they learn from their mistakes fast. I think our IQ is pretty strong."
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Jones' imposing 6-foot-8 frame makes him the second-tallest - behind freshman offensive lineman Zen Michalski - and heaviest Buckeye on the roster. He flashed ability to hold his own when called upon in the absences of his O-line teammates down the stretch last season.
The losses of center Josh Myers and right guard Wyatt Davis have created holes along the Ohio State offensive line, and Jones is someone who has worked to fill a spot as Studrawa preached versatility.
“No. 1, it gives you depth, but it also gives you an ability to play different guys in different places,” Studrawa said. “I was very pleased with how he was doing.”
