Getting to play early is the dream for any high school recruit. In some programs, it is a necessity that young talent comes in and plays right away. That could be due to a Transfer Portal exodus or the incoming freshman could just be that good. When you think about teams like Ohio State, true freshmen do not often get first-team reps anywhere, let alone on the offensive line. At Big Ten Media Days, Buckeyes’ Head Coach Ryan Day went out of his way to mention true freshman, Luke Montgomery.
True Freshman Luke Montgomery Battling for a Job, Says Ryan Day
Ohio State has been playing football since 1890. To date, only six true freshmen have started on the offensive line. Michael Jordan was the most recent in 2016. It goes without saying that it’s incredibly difficult to break through. Even more difficult when a freshman comes to a team with as much offensive line talent as Ohio State has had.
Get to Know the Freshman
Montgomery is a 6-4, 298-pound interior lineman from Findlay, Ohio. Despite being rated as the third-best interior offensive lineman in the nation, Montgomery has been taking snaps at left tackle in practice.
Montgomery started off his high school career as a tight end but quickly kicked inside. In addition to his ability on the offensive line, Montgomery played on the defensive line as well. Despite the decision being made that he was to focus on offensive line work for college, plenty of schools were recruiting him as a defensive end. In the end, Montgomery elected to stick to protecting quarterbacks’ blind sides over teeing off on them.
Due to the fact that he spent his time on the interior, his technique as a tackle needs work. However, coaches know this and seem confident in his athletic abilities. He’s been noted as an impressive athlete throughout the recruiting process and spring practices. In addition to football, Montgomery was a top basketball player for the Trojans.
To go with that athleticism that can set him apart, Montgomery is an aggressive blocker. He’s shown the ability to get out in front and make plays in the open field. He’s adept at keeping his feet moving and making sure he finishes his blocks.
He enrolled early and it sure sounds like he’s made an impression right off the bat. Day even mentioned that he doesn’t really view freshmen who enrolled early as freshmen anymore. He treats them like sophomores and even expects them to make in-game impacts this year.
The Competition is Fierce
The Buckeyes have to replace their left tackle, right tackle, and center. Naturally, Montgomery started off by taking third-team reps as a brand-new freshman. At the time, Josh Fryar (redshirt junior) and George Fitzpatrick (redshirt freshman) were listed ahead of him.
Fryar is easily the favorite to land the job. He’s been in the program since 2020 and has the inside track. Last year, Fryar appeared in a handful of games as a sixth lineman, amassing 231 snaps. Day, in the same breath as praising Montgomery, mentioned that Fryar is looking good and even cut some weight.
Fitzpatrick has been in the program just one year and was not specifically mentioned by Day in his comments. He committed to the Buckeyes as a four-star recruit in 2022.
No matter how steep the uphill battle may be, Day believes that Montgomery can be right in the thick of the competition.
No Matter the Quarterback, He Needs Protecting
As of Big Ten Media Days, Coach Day and the Buckeyes are not sure who will take over at quarterback. Kyle McCord is the favorite but Devin Brown is a guy with lots of upside.
He’s not the only one, of course. Day referred to Montgomery in his comments as having a “Huge upside.” He is impressing coaches left and right in practices and has the athletic prowess to overcome any technical shortcomings he may have.
In all reality, Day’s comments likely will end up as coachspeak. Fryar has the job and barring injury or a meltdown, he will hold the position. However, iron sharpens iron and all that. With all of the praise surrounding Montgomery, Ohio State is poised to get the best of Fryar. If Montgomery is playing as well as Day’s comments suggest, he could be utilized as Fryar was in 2022.
Photo courtesy: Robert Goddin-USA TODAY Sports
