OHIO STATE OFFENSIVE LINEMAN LUKE MONTGOMERY IS EAGER TO COMPETE FOR STARTING JOB ALONG RIGHT SIDE, WHETHER AT TACKLE OR GUARD.

Luke Montgomery’s first season unfolded in a manner typical of many first seasons—it was jam-packed with opportunities for learning and adjusting to collegiate football and life in general.

At The 1870 Society’s Open House at the Woody on Saturday, Montgomery said to the Eleven Warriors, “Freshman year, you don’t know until you know, you know what I’m saying.” Though you don’t know, you believe you do. I therefore gained a lot of knowledge from the first year simply from following Donovan Jackson and Josh Fryar around here.

But now Montgomery is certain about what he desires: an offensive line starter for Ohio State. To acquire it, he’s willing to play anyplace.

“I don’t care what gets me on the field the quickest,” Montgomery declared. It is also a blessing because I am aware that I have the tangibles need to play all five. To the best of my ability, I’ll just use that to see where I can play.

With the exception of quarterback, which Will Howard is almost certain to win, Montgomery is coming into his sophomore season in Columbus having learned a lot from his first year. This is perhaps the most significant position battle the Buckeyes will have this offseason.

According to offensive line coach Justin Frye, “(He’s) progressing) really well.” “You are just learning how to stay afloat when you arrive mid-year, as those guys did the previous year. He has thus far performed well for his first true offseason. He’s gained weight, but it’s not too much; he’s had a great offseason despite the competition and all the stuff lineman need to learn.

In his first season at Ohio State, Montgomery was able to secure a backup offensive tackle position and functioned as the sixth offensive lineman in the team’s “Bison” package. In addition to seeing some special teams action on the field goal and extra point teams, he played a total of 44 plays along the front five.

“It was really helpful,” Montgomery remarked. As a freshman at Ohio State, it was really thrilling to step onto the field, but I know I still have a long way to go. Seeing the settings and ambiances and kind of getting my feet wet to be able to perform on such a large platform. I’m hoping that will prepare me for the future year.

Nevertheless, Montgomery became more and more exhausted both mentally and physically as the year went on.

At the end of the season, Tegra Tshabola, one of the guys vying with Montgomery to take Matt Jones’s spot on the right side of the line, took his place as the team’s sixth offensive lineman for speciality packages. In the Cotton Bowl matchup against Missouri, Tshabola took five snaps at the position.

“You have to get used to the fact that the season is so much longer than high school,” Montgomery remarked. “As the year progressed, it began to wear on me. However, I’m even more eager to get outside and play some good ol’ football now that I know what’s coming.

Because of his versatility, Montgomery could start at right guard or right tackle, the position that Jones relinquished. Josh Fryar, who began playing right tackle for Ohio State in 2023 and will return in 2024, struggled against some of the faster rushers he encountered and may go inside to guard if it suits the team’s needs. The right-side reorganization may possibly involve Enokk Vimahi, who began the Cotton Bowl at right guard before Jones shifted to center for his final game.

According to Frye, the most important thing is to put Ohio State’s five best offensive lineman on the field. Fryar is probably going to be one of those five, but how the players around him develop may determine whether tackle or guard is being fought for beside him. If they so choose, the Buckeyes may still add a transfer during the spring portal window.

Montgomery has maintained his composure throughout.

Montgomery remarked, “I grew up just like that.” “My parents, my friends, and the fact that I’m from Findlay, Ohio, are all important factors. My parents are my biggest supporters and have done so much to help me get to where I am now. It’s also quite humiliating because you’re competing against Mitch Melton, Jack Sawyer, and JT (Tuimoloau), three guys who will quickly bring you low.

Montgomery was given a special “Welcome to Ohio State” moment by Tuimoloau at his first spring practice almost a year ago.

Montgomery remarked, “I remember the first padded practice like it was yesterday.” “We were heading into the red zone, and I was facing JT.” I am aware that it was my first or second play—my first pass play. I overpowered him, put myself against him, and then I turned around in a circle, wondering what the hell had just happened. It made me think, “Oh my god.” I’m here now, though. Now is the moment to move. One of the best defensive ends in the nation just destroyed me.

With those bumps under his belt, Montgomery’s next objective is to improve both physically and technically.

Montgomery remarked, “Just driving off the ball blocking-wise.” “Bigger individuals are those who play defensive ends and even three-tech (defensive tackle) positions. I weighed about 290 pounds when I arrived, and I now weigh about 310 pounds. My weight is rising, which will benefit my performance in the forthcoming spring. That and the run blocking, in my opinion, need some additional acclimatization.