theinfohub

Ohio State University’s football program has long been a powerhouse in college football, consistently competing at the highest level and producing some of the nation’s top talent. In recent years, head coach Ryan Day has led the Buckeyes with distinction, maintaining the team’s status among the elite and continuously setting his sights on a national championship. But what really sets Day apart is his ability to motivate and inspire his players, often with a single word or phrase that resonates deeply.

Recently, former Ohio State linebacker, **Joshua Perry**, opened up about a single word Ryan Day used that helped propel the Buckeyes to a pivotal moment in their journey towards a championship. The word, which Perry reveals in a series of reflective comments, was key to inspiring not only the Buckeyes but also standout defensive player **Jack Sawyer**, who has become one of the team’s most formidable talents.

Let’s break down what this single word meant and how Ryan Day used it to help push the Buckeyes to even greater heights on their path to a championship.

### The Power of Ryan Day’s Leadership

Ryan Day took over as head coach for Ohio State in 2019, after Urban Meyer’s retirement, and has since shown the ability to keep the program competitive and constantly striving for excellence. Day’s approach to coaching combines discipline, tactical brilliance, and a deep understanding of his players’ needs. He’s shown time and again that he’s not just a strategist, but a motivator who can instill confidence in his athletes and bring out their very best on the field.

Day’s leadership is often highlighted by his ability to connect with players on a personal level while pushing them to their limits. He’s known for his attention to detail and his ability to craft game plans that give his team the best chance to succeed. However, what truly sets Day apart is his ability to inspire his players with simple but powerful words or messages that reverberate beyond the football field. These words are more than just motivational speeches; they serve as guiding principles that players can take with them through every game and challenge they face.

In a revealing interview, Joshua Perry, a former linebacker for Ohio State, spoke about one such instance where Day’s choice of a single word inspired an entire team and helped set the stage for a championship run. This word, Perry shared, was more than just a motivational phrase; it was the catalyst that ignited something special within the team and within defensive standout Jack Sawyer.

### The Single Word: “Finish”

According to Joshua Perry, Ryan Day’s word of choice that had the greatest impact on the team was a simple but potent one: **“Finish.”**

While this may seem like a generic phrase, in the context of Ohio State football, it carries immense weight. “Finish” speaks to the team’s ability to push through adversity, complete their objectives, and not let up until the job is done. It’s a rallying cry for every facet of their game: whether it’s closing out a game with a solid defensive stand or maintaining focus in the second half when the pressure is on. The concept of “finishing” is fundamental to the mentality of champions — it’s about staying the course and not faltering when the stakes are high.

Perry emphasized that Day’s use of this single word helped elevate Ohio State’s mentality, particularly when it came to Jack Sawyer. Sawyer, a highly-touted defensive end, had shown flashes of brilliance but needed that extra mental push to elevate his game to the level required for a national championship run.

Sawyer’s breakout performances, especially late in games, became synonymous with the term “finish.” He learned to embody it fully — whether it was sealing off runs in the backfield or applying relentless pressure on opposing quarterbacks. The single word transformed his mindset, enabling him to develop the consistency and tenacity that are essential for an elite player in college football.

### Jack Sawyer: A Defensive Force

Jack Sawyer’s growth as a player has been one of the most exciting stories for Ohio State fans in recent years. The young defensive end, who came to Ohio State with immense hype as one of the nation’s top recruits, was expected to be a game-changer for the Buckeyes’ defense. However, like many young players, it took some time for Sawyer to find his rhythm and gain the trust of his coaching staff.

As Perry explains, it wasn’t until Ryan Day instilled this mindset of “finish” that Sawyer truly began to shine. Day’s approach was to get Sawyer to focus not only on the physical aspects of the game — his technique, his pass-rushing moves, and his conditioning — but also on the mental toughness required to close out games. “Finish” became Sawyer’s rallying cry, something that he could fall back on during critical moments. Whether it was pressuring an opposing quarterback in the final minutes of a close game or making sure that a running back didn’t get extra yards after contact, the word helped Sawyer lock into his full potential.

The results were tangible. Sawyer, once an inconsistent contributor, began to consistently make game-changing plays for Ohio State’s defense. His ability to finish plays and close out opponents was crucial in several high-profile matchups, including key victories that helped Ohio State secure a spot in the College Football Playoff.

### Perry’s Insight: The Mental Shift

Joshua Perry, now an analyst and commentator, has had a front-row seat to the transformation of Ohio State’s program under Ryan Day. Perry’s comments about the “finish” mentality are not just about Jack Sawyer’s development — they represent a broader shift in the Buckeyes’ approach to competition. Perry recalls how important it was for players to internalize the idea of finishing games, especially in high-pressure situations.

“This mentality was something we used to always talk about when I played for Ohio State,” Perry said in his interview. “But with Ryan Day, he really simplified it to a level where players could grasp it immediately. It wasn’t just about winning; it was about making sure that you finish what you started, no matter the challenge or adversity.”

This mental shift wasn’t limited to Sawyer. The entire defense embraced this mentality, leading to significant improvements across the board. It allowed them to keep their foot on the gas pedal when it mattered most, and to avoid letting up when a team’s resolve could crack.

Perry also noted that Day’s ability to communicate and simplify the message was what made the concept of “finish” resonate so deeply with his players. Rather than throwing out a complex set of goals or philosophies, Day focused on one singular concept, allowing it to be something every player could latch onto and apply in their role. It gave the team a clear sense of purpose, and for Sawyer, that meant focusing on finishing plays with aggression and precision.

### The Championship Implications

By instilling this mindset, Ryan Day didn’t just guide Jack Sawyer to individual success — he laid the foundation for the Buckeyes to challenge for a national championship. The “finish” mentality permeated the entire program, contributing to a defense that was capable of locking down opponents in high-stakes situations. With players like Sawyer leading the charge, Ohio State’s defense became an unrelenting force that could close out games with authority.

Moreover, the lesson of “finish” is something that extends beyond individual players. In the high-stakes environment of college football, the ability to close out games is often what separates the good teams from the great ones. Ohio State’s defense, bolstered by Sawyer’s leadership and the mental toughness imparted by Day, was ready for the challenge of competing with the nation’s elite.

### Conclusion: The Power of One Word

The single word “finish” is emblematic of Ryan Day’s ability to inspire his players. For Jack Sawyer, it was a call to elevate his game and live up to the immense potential that Ohio State fans had come to expect. For the team as a whole, it represented a mindset that could carry them through the toughest of battles on their way to a championship.

As Ohio State continues its pursuit of a national title, it will be interesting to see how Day’s simple yet powerful philosophy continues to shape the Buckeyes’ journey. One thing is certain: “finish” is more than just a word — it’s a mentality that could very well propel Ohio State to the pinnacle of college football once again.