Josh Fryar has been the right tackle for Ohio State since last year.
The Indiana native got the job last year. There was talk of using him at right guard this season, but a strong offseason has secured his spot at tackle.
Here are three things you should know about Fryar:
Fryar knows the toll
His father, Jeff, played for Indiana under former Buckeye assistant Bill Mallory and was part of the Hoosier teams that beat OSU in 1987 and 1988. But Jeff believes he suffered brain damage from playing, including memory problems and occasional irritability.
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But Jeff accepts his condition with grace.
“I try to enjoy every day to the fullest,” he said.
Overcoming adversity at OSU
Fryar was just a three-star recruit who survived the COVID-shortened 2020 season as a freshman. Then he tore an ACL while warming up before the 2021 Michigan game. He recovered quickly enough to become the offensive line’s top backup in 2022 before winning the right tackle job last year.
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Last year he made the All-Big Ten first team.
“He’s so smart,” said Justin Frye, OSU’s offensive line coach. “He really understands the big picture and the whole game. That’s what’s allowed him to develop and reach his level of excellence because he asks the right questions.”
Iron Buckeye Honors
Along with Donovan Jackson and Carson Hinzman, Fryar was the third offensive lineman to receive the Iron Buckeye award following his summer workout.
“Josh brought a lot of energy and solid development as a leader,” said OSU strength coach Mickey Marotti. “He motivated the people around him on a daily basis.”
Coach Ryan Day repeatedly praised Fryar’s offseason work.
“Josh had an incredible summer,” he said.
