Mindset is what sets winners apart from the rest. Ryan Day, the 24th head football coach at Ohio State University, a position he has held since 2019 recently shared his perspective on how the mental capacity of maneuvering difficulties and challenging situations, both on and off the field, is of paramount importance for athletes. 

Ohio State and Ryan Day have concluded their spring practice sessions, and are effectively gearing up for the highly anticipated 2024 College Football season. In a recent installment of the Pate State Speaker Series, Josh Pete had the privilege of hosting Coach Day as he threw into sharper relief the mental contours of two prominent ex-Ohio State stars, Marvin Harrison Jr. and C.J. Stroud. 

Ryan Day on Marvin Harrison Jr. & C.J. Stroud’s “alpha” mentality

Ryan Day made a very simple but extremely relevant comment on his appearance on the Pate State Speaker Series, “you have to think differently, you have to be that Alpha.” To make a difference, athletes must harbor a different mentality and think against the grain. He cited the example of Ohio State’s star wide receiver, Marvin Harrison Jr. Reflecting on Marvin Harrison’s journey in the “wide receiver room,” Day recalled four or five-star recruits alongside him. Despite the competition, he ultimately emerged as the Burlsworth Trophy winner and a first-round draft pick. This trajectory highlights Harrison’s “mindset” and determination to succeed amidst stiff competition.

Trending

“Snotty Brat”: Cormani McClain Faces Reality Check as His Mom Labels Deion Sanders a Liar

May 03, 2024 05:26 AM EDT

Despite Kellen Moore’s Success, Jalen Hurts Not Expected to Thrive Following Eagles Saquon Barkley and AJ Brown Boost

May 02, 2024 05:08 AM EDT

“RIP Daddy”: Deion Sanders’ Sister Pays Tribute to Late Father While Coach Prime Immortalizes His Name

May 03, 2024 06:13 PM EDT

GF Leanna’s Beauty Breaks the Internet, Colorado BF Travis Hunter’s Heart Drop Reflects Love

May 02, 2024 05:34 PM EDT

Jayden Daniels Likely to Go Bust Under ‘Defensive Coach’ Dan Quinn, Says Former Commanders’ Guard

May 02, 2024 05:03 PM EDT

Get instantly notified of the hottest NFL stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.

Follow Us

Day emphasized the importance of embracing challenges citing examples like C.J. Stroud who “went through some tough times” during his time in Ohio, with the team, but grew and learned from those experiences. This growth ultimately contributed to CJ’s success in the NFL, highlighting the value of overcoming obstacles.

The head coach acknowledges how overcoming hurdles in life, “because of the adversity that he hit” becomes “a big part of life” and the significance of persevering through tough times, as success following adversity is particularly rewarding. During his time at Ohio State, he faced adversity in his first season as the Buckeyes’ quarterback.

After his initial couple of starts, Stroud encountered death threats and harsh comments. Reflecting on those difficult moments, he shared, “Those first couple games of my career [at Ohio State] were really hard on me. I went through a lot, got a lot of harsh comments, death threats…make sure I was tough enough to be ready, prepare me… I would never go back and change anything.”

C.J. Stroud roots for Marvin Harrison Jr. ahead of the 2024 NFL Draft

The Arizona Cardinals need a standout wide receiver, especially with the upcoming NFL draft just around the corner. Holding the fourth overall pick provides them with a prime opportunity to address this need, especially since the top three picks are expected to be quarterbacks. Amidst the speculation surrounding potential choices, there’s a growing consensus among some NFL circles regarding the best pick for the Cardinals.

According to insights from Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud, his former teammate at Ohio State, Marvin Harrison Jr., stands out as the ideal candidate. Stroud expressed his confidence in Harrison Jr. during a press conference, suggesting that he should be the Cardinals’ top choice for a wide receiver, “Whoever’s up there, man. be smart. Don’t be dumb.”

While Harrison Jr. has long been considered a frontrunner for the Cardinals’ pick at No. 4, recent discussions in NFL circles indicate a shifting sentiment. Other top wide receiver prospects, such as Malik Nabers from LSU and Rome Odunze from Washington, have garnered increased attention and consideration in recent weeks. As draft day approaches, the Cardinals face a crucial decision in selecting the right player to bolster their receiving corps.