Freshman Linebacker TJ Alford Sheds Black Stripe

Ohio State linebacker TJ Alford had his black stripe removed on Wednesday to become an “official” member of the team.

Alford, a four-star out of Vero Beach, Fla., was ranked as the No. 144 recruit in the country, No. 13 linebacker and No. 22 player out of Florida.

Alford has played in each of Ohio State’s last two games against Grambling State and Ohio and totaled three tackles over those two games.

In a room loaded with options, including Sonny Styles, Arvell Reese, Payton Pierce, and fellow freshman Riley Pettijohn, Alford is unlikely to start anytime soon at linebacker. However, with his black stripe removed, the true freshman seems ready to make an impact in some capacity.

Alford is the 12th true freshman to have his black stripe removed.

_{Photo Courtesy of @OhioStateFB on Twitter}