Sports
Ohio State Linebacker Praises New Defensive Coordinator Matt Patricia

Columbus, Ohio – Ohio State linebacker Payton Pierce expressed his strong bond with new defensive coordinator Matt Patricia during an interview on Wednesday at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center. Pierce stated that he spoke more with Patricia in his first two days at Ohio State than he did with former defensive coordinator Jim Knowles in an entire year.
“I got to know him pretty well in the offseason,” Pierce said. “It was a lot different than the previous defensive coordinator. I talked to Patricia more probably his first two days here than I did with our old defensive coordinator my whole time being here.”
Pierce emphasized that Patricia has invested time in all the players, providing support beyond football. “He’s poured into all of us, and he does every single day. He’s here to help, not just in football, but in life,” said Pierce.
The Buckeyes’ defense has excelled under Patricia, allowing only five points a game, leading the nation in scoring defense. Pierce noted that strong relationships with Patricia have significantly contributed to their success.
“It makes you trust that he wants what’s best for you and wants what’s best for everyone else,” he added. “We can just go have fun and play fast and free.”
Defensive end Beau Atkinson, a newcomer who spent last season at North Carolina, praised Patricia’s coaching style. “He’s an awesome, super smart guy. He focuses on little details that others might overlook,” said Atkinson.
Similarly, cornerback Aaron Scott Jr. pointed out the positive influence Patricia has had on his comfort level within the defense. “When we got a new DC, it started clicking more. He’s a real player-type guy,” Scott mentioned.
Ohio State’s head coach Ryan Day acknowledged the team’s outstanding defensive performance but reminded the players to stay focused. “Nobody’s gonna probably really remember much about the first five games, but they’re gonna remember the rest of them,” he said.