COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Ohio State's spring football showcase is approaching, and coach Ryan Day is getting his new roster ready to defend the national championship. But while the focus is on next season, Day did confirm there will be at least one more nod to the championship run when the Buckey es visit the White House on April 14. "It's part of the celebration of our team," Day said. "Looking forward to getting all that planned out." Blue Jackets activate Erik Gudbranson and Sean Monahan off injured reserve After four practices in the first week, Day is pleased about how his team is developing overall. "I like the energy at practice. There's been good energy," Day said. "The coaching staff, there's been new faces in there, they've been prepared for the practices. I think the leadership has been good. The effort's been good. Overall just a lot of juice." A total of 15 spring practices will take place over four weeks, culminating in a spring showcase April 12 at Ohio Stadium. Though the Buckeyes enter the spring as national champs, Day said last Monday that the team is starting from scratch and that message starts with its leadership group. Day clarified Monday that while the April 12 event is called a "showcase", the format will be designed closer to a traditional game in preparation for the season opener against Texas on Aug. 30. "My plan is to have a spring game. I just think we need to save a little bit of wiggle room in case we take injuries," Day said. "We want to play a spring game. There may be some guys held from the spring game but not many. We're 159 days away from playing Texas and [the spring game] will matter to a lot of young players. We need to get out there and compete." As the quarterback competition continues to evolve between former five-star recruits Julian Sayin and Tavien St. Clair, Day emphasized the importance of Brian Hartline's role in developing the players as he takes over play calling duties from Chip Kelly. "He's got the headset on like Chip did. He's calling the plays and talking to the quarterbacks. That relationship is important," Day said. "He's got to have a connection with the quarterback. They've got to be on the same page. That part of it in practice is something he's getting used to." In addition to spring practice, Ohio State's pro day is scheduled for Wednesday where 17 players from last season's national championship roster will participate. They are set to do field drills, multiple running and weight tests, and more as the NFL draft is one month away. Fifteen of those players already participated at the NFL combine in Indianapolis in February. ...read more read less