COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio State football opened spring practice Monday, though the Buckeyes took the field without a trio of injured players. Freshman safety DeShawn Stewart, freshman running back Isaiah West and senior safety Keenan Nelson Jr. were in the injury pit during an hour-long open session of practice.

Linebacker CJ Hicks made his debut at defensive line and was already on the second-team unit and took some first-team reps. The Dayton, Ohio, native is entering his fourth year at Ohio State and early observations indicate he’ll compete for reps right away at defensive end.

Ohio State opened spring practice on Monday with the first six periods open to reporters. Below are notes and observations from the Buckeyes handful of drills at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center.