Vic Cutler, Louisiana Monroe transfer, on picking Ohio State football
If Vic Cutler had any hesitation over transferring to Ohio State, it was over the matter of playing time.
With only two seasons of eligibility remaining as he entered the transfer portal out of Louisiana Monroe earlier this month, he was looking for a school that presented him with a shot at competing for a starting spot on their offensive line.
“My big concern was I don’t want to go to a school where I’m just going to ride the bench,” Cutler said.
That made the assurance from Buckeyes offensive line coach Justin Frye all the more impactful.
During Frye’s visit with Cutler and his parents at their home in northern Louisiana last week, he assuaged any concerns.
“He told me,” recalled Cutler, “’If you think I flew down to Monroe, where I don’t even know where Monroe is, just to bring you up as depth, you’re crazy.’”
The message was clear and resonated as he later visited Columbus to meet with the rest of the coaching staff and players, so Cutler signed with the Buckeyes as a transfer a matter of days ago.
“My time in college is ticking down,” Cutler said. “I’m trying to elevate myself to get to that next level, so wherever school I felt like I could do it best I will, and I felt like Ohio State was the best choice for me.”
Cutler will battle to be Ohio State’s starting center
It was Cutler’s versatility that drew the Buckeyes’ interest. Not only did he start all season at left tackle at Louisiana Monroe, but he also made starts the previous year at both right tackle and center. All three spots of those spots on OSU’s line were vacated due to NFL departures.
Due to Cutler’s size, a 6-foot-3 frame that puts him in the mold of most interior offensive linemen in the Big Ten, when he enrolls at Ohio State on Monday, he will compete at center rather than tackle and vie to replace Luke Wypler.
“I don’t care where I play on the line,” Cutler said, “as long as it gives me the opportunity to get on the field and play and get to that next level.”
Cutler credits his multi-sport background for fostering his ability to take on multiple positions.
He grew up playing basketball and baseball before he found football in middle school, sports that helped establish quickness and footwork.
“I was always quick on my feet. I was light on my feet,” he said. “That transition, when I got to play offensive line, helped me a lot. Because with basketball, you’re constantly moving, you have to make quick transitions happen, you have to have quick hips. Doing that with football and playing offensive line, I felt I had an advantage.”