AP PHOTO Ohio State quarterback Dwayne Haskins runs during the third quarter of a game at Michigan last season. The major obstacle to Haskins becoming Ohio State’s next starting quarterback was erased when Joe Burrow decided to transfer to LSU after spring practice rather than battle it out with Haskins in fall camp. Haskins already secured his place in Buckeyes lore by winning last year’s Michigan game, takes the keys from four-year starter J.T. Barrett.

COLUMBUS — Ohio State turns its attention to Oregon State this week and when the Buckeyes take the field at high noon Saturday all eyes will on new starting quarterback Dwayne Haskins.

After leading a second-half comeback at Michigan, the redshirt-sophomore steps into the role fulltime after beating out former Ohio Mr. Football Joe Burrow, who has transferred to LSU and will start for the Tigers on Sunday against No. 8 Miami (Fla) down in the bayou.

“Dwayne’s done a great job,” Buckeyes acting head coach Ryan Day told members of the media this past Monday during his first availability of the season.

“Along with a lot of other guys, his leadership had to step up and he’s done that. And so throughout practice he’s gotten stronger, especially from the spring. So, as we prepare for this week, he’s got to have a good week of practice as we go because he hasn’t started a game before an so that’s a big part of this thing between Billy (Price) at center and JT (Barrett) at quarterback there’s a lot of experience there that we have to replace.”

It’s true.

Haskins is replacing a legend in JT Barrett, who holds many a school and Big Ten passing mark. But Day believes Haskins is ready to create his own legacy.

“Dwayne has a lot of talent, he’s very talented throwing the football,” Day, also the Buckeyes’ quarterbacks coach, said.

“He’s worked on his athleticism, strength, power. So you saw at the end of the season last year when he had to step into a role, he stepped right in there and he was ready to go. But now being a starter, that’s different. You have to prepare different, you have to be ready. Teams have film on you and they start to see some of your tendencies.”

Haskins will certainly have a strong supporting cast to lean on. The Buckeyes return plenty of power in the backfield and at receiver, which should make him feel at ease.

J.K. Dobbins and Mike Weber will see plenty of action behind Haskins. Outside, a plethora of players will be looked upon, including Parris Campbell, Austin Mack, Johnnie Dixon, Terry McLaurin, K.J. Hill, Binjimen Victor and C.J Saunders.

“We have great depth there, which I think makes us really strong because when you have receivers who can roll in and out of plays, that keeps them fresh,” Day said of his receiving corps. “And think about we have three captains (Campbell, Dixon, McLaurin) in the wide receiver group alone. A lot of leadership there.

When it comes down to it, Day said his best advice to Haskins is to simply trust your instincts.

“The thing we talk about with Dwayne is he doesn’t have to be JT, he doesn’t have to be Braxton (Miller), he doesn’t have to be Cardale (Jones),” Day said.

“All the quarterbacks, they have to be themselves. So whether it was when we were in Philly talking to Sam Bradford or when we were in Boston College talking to Matt Ryan or whomever, along the way, you have to find your own way to lead.”