Ohio State opened its spring practice Tuesday morning with expectations and pressure as high as ever.

The Buckeyes' roster is loaded after most of their NFL-eligible players decided to return and they added several top transfers, including quarterback Will Howard and safety Caleb Downs.

Players were not in pads on Tuesday as OSU had the first of two practices this week before going on spring break next week.

“It was a good first day,” coach Ryan Day said. “Good energy, but no pads on so nothing to report.”

Day said the past couple of months have been centered on talent retention (the NFL-eligible players) and addition (recruiting and adding transfers). The talent is clearly abundant, but Day said that's only the foundation.

“As a team, we're really working on all the no-talent issues – building that discipline and skill,” he said.

After losing to Michigan for the third straight season and seeing the Wolverines win the national title, motivation is not in short supply for the Buckeyes.

“I think being around a group of guys that enjoy being at work every day like they are is fun,” Day said. “Yeah, it has to do with the staff, but it really comes down to players. These guys bring energy every day. They enjoy being out there. They're as close to NFL players as I've been around. They're very competitive. They can't wait to get the pads on.”

Here are four takeaways from practice and the press conferences of Day and new offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach Chip Kelly:

Maximizing reps

The Buckeyes have five scholarship quarterbacks as well as two walk-ons. Giving quarterbacks sufficient snaps is a priority, Day said.

Day said the Buckeyes took about 150 snaps in 7-on-7 or full-team drills on Tuesday.

“That's a bunch, and that's great because that's what these guys need,” Day said. “The more we can spread those around, the better.”

Howard took the first snaps on Tuesday with Devin Brown going next. Kelly said the goal was to have quarterbacks rotate every couple of snaps.

Offensive line look

Four starters return from last year's offensive line – left tackle Josh Simmons, left guard Donovan Jackson, center Carson Hinzman and right tackle Josh Fryar.

Simmons and Jackson are set on the left side, but Hinzman, who was benched for the Cotton Bowl, is expected to be replaced by Alabama transfer Seth McLaughlin. On Tuesday, though, Hinzman took the first reps with the starters, and Day said he's been happy with Hinzman's work in the offseason.

At right guard, sophomore Luke Montgomery took the first reps with the starters. Fryar remained at right tackle. There had been speculation Fryar might move to guard and have Montgomery or Tegra Tshabolo at tackle. That still could happen.

“Luke is very athletic,” Day said. “He's very skilled in a lot of areas. We think he's got a very high ceiling.”

More: 'Best hire we could have made': Will Howard thrilled with Ohio State's hire of Chip Kelly

Sonny Styles at linebacker

Junior Sonny Styles remains listed as a safety on the roster, but he practiced with the linebackers.

“We want to put guys in position to be the most successful they can, but also embrace it,” Day said. “Sonny has wanted to do whatever he can to help the team. We know his skill set is versatile and we're going to continue to work on that.

“You will see him at linebacker. You'll also see him do some other things as time goes on, but we feel he brings a lot to the table there.”

Small injury list

The Buckeyes are healthy entering the spring with only a few exceptions.

Sophomore safety Malik Hartford, freshman cornerback Bryce West, graduate safety Kourt Williams, freshman linebacker Payton Pierce and sophomore offensive lineman Miles Walker are out for the spring. OSU did not provide details on their injuries, but Day said they are all expected back by preseason camp.

Safety Lathan Ransom, who missed the end of last season with a leg or foot injury, participated in practice.

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This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Ohio State football: 4 takeaways from the start of spring practice