With Ohio Stadium lurking behind them under the brilliant, cloudless blue sky above Ohio State's campus, Urban Meyer gathered his troops together Friday morning for a quick word before the Buckeyes got to work in their first day of full pads.

"It is a rugged day today," Meyer bellowed at Coffey Road Park. "A rugged, rugged day."

Meyer repeated the phrase roughly 10 more times, hoping to drill into his head the idea that the first day in full gear meant it was time to let loose and show what each player can bring to the table.

"I want to find out our middle linebacker is today," Meyer said. "It's going to be a rugged day today. Get ready, Raekwon. Rugged, rugged, day."

Raekwon McMillan is all but assured the starting middle linebacker spot for the Buckeyes when they trot out for the season opener in Blacksburg, Va., Sept. 7 against Virginia Tech. That didn't stop the man with three national championship rings capturing an opportunity Friday to challenge the player who once had five-star status and show he's just like everyone else on the team.

It's time to earn your worth at Ohio State.

Notes:

Stay with Eleven Warriors for continuing coverage of Ohio State practice, with videos of drills and a photo gallery coming soon.