Ohio State Freshmen Shed Black Stripes After Monday practice

By August 27, 2018 (9:57 pm)September 5th, 2018Football

After the team completed its first practice of game week Monday afternoon, Ohio State freshmen Tyler Friday, Sevyn Banks and Javontae Jean-Baptiste became the latest Buckeyes to lose their black stripes.

Ahead of Saturday’s noon kickoff on ABC against Oregon State at Ohio Stadium, preparations continued for Ohio State with Monday’s practice, finishing with the three rookies officially joining the Buckeyes.

Ohio State director of player development Ryan Stamper acknowledged both Buckeyes when he addressed the team outside of the Woody Hayes Athletic Center.

“The first guy had his best day as a Buckeye today — his best day,” Stamper said. “Hopefully, he plays as hard … Tyler Friday.”

Friday (6-3, 255) handed off his helmet to junior defensive end Jashon Cornell, who removed the black stripe while the freshman defensive tackle spoke before his teammates and coaches — specifically, defensive line coach Larry Johnson.

“First of all, shout out to my unit,” Friday said. “Shout out to the big bros. Y’all done carried me this whole way. Y’all taught me a lot. Special shout out to Coach J and everybody that helped me through this whole process, and let’s go get this dub — 1-0. Go Bucks.”

Stamper then brought up Banks.

“Next guy, from the great state of Florida, been with us for a year now, B.I.A. (Best in America),” Stamper said, referring to Ohio State’s secondary. “Sevyn Banks, get up here.”

Banks (6-0, 185), who early enrolled for spring camp, thanked cornerbacks coach Taver Johnson and strength coach Mickey Marotti, among others.

“I appreciate all y’all, man,” Banks said. “I couldn’t do this without y’all, man. First, my unit. Man, shout out to the crib. Next — Coach Johnson … Coach Mick for pushing me, man. Go Bucks.”

Stamper revealed one more before the Buckeyes broke it down.

“Last but not least, this guy’s been busting his butt, man,” Stamper said. “Got to get his weight up. When he do, he’ll be a problem. Javontae Jean-Baptiste.”

Jean-Baptiste (6-5, 235) acknowledged Larry Johnson in addition to Marotti and assistant strength coach Phil Matusz.

“Shout out Coach J,” Jean-Baptiste said. “I see you back there, boy. Shout out to my big bros. Shout out to Coach Mick, Coach Matusz. … Thank all y’all for getting me right and pushing me. That’s it. Go Bucks.”

Friday, Banks and Jean-Baptiste join cornerback Tyreke Johnson, tight end Jeremy Ruckert, running back Master Teague, defensive end Tyreke Smith, wide receiver Chris Olave, running back Brian Snead, defensive tackle Taron Vincent, linebacker Teradja Mitchell, linebacker Dallas Gant and defensive tackle Tommy Togiai as the number of black-stripe removals for freshmen reaches 13.

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