Ryan Day defends Julian Sayin's pocket style with Tom Brady comparison
The short version
- Ryan Day compared Julian Sayin's pocket-passing style to Tom Brady's when addressing critics who want the QB to run more
- Day said all Ohio State quarterbacks can make plays with their feet, but running is not the only way to be a playmaker
- Sayin has 839 passing yards, six touchdowns and one interception while completing over 70% of his passes in three games
- Ohio State begins Big Ten play Saturday at home against Illinois
The Ohio State coach pushed back on critics who want the quarterback to use his legs more, likening his approach to Tom Brady's.
Ohio State coach Ryan Day has pushed back at fans and pundits who want quarterback Julian Sayin to run the ball more, arguing that mobility is not the only path to playmaking at the position.
Speaking Tuesday, Day compared Sayin's style to Tom Brady's, noting how Brady differed from Lamar Jackson as a player yet still moved his team down the field and scored points, according to a report from Patrick Murphy of 247 Sports. Day added that all of the Buckeyes' quarterbacks can make plays with their feet.
Sayin has worked mostly from the pocket while leading one of the nation's most productive offenses. In three games this season, the junior has completed over 70% of his passes for 839 yards, six touchdowns and one interception, plus a rushing score.
Ohio State, ranked in the top 10 despite blowing a 20-point lead against Texas in Week 2, opens Big Ten play Saturday against Illinois in Columbus. Road games at Iowa, Indiana and USC follow, with home dates against Oregon and Michigan later in the season.