Ohio State head coach Ryan Day said Wednesday that defensive end Tyler Friday and linebacker Palaie Gaoteote IV are moving on from the Buckeyes.
Day did not clarify whether their intentions are to pursue the NFL or an additional year of college football with a different program, but it marks the end of their respective careers with the Buckeyes.
Friday recently wrapped his fifth season with the Buckeyes, appearing in six games as Ohio State made it to the College Football Playoff. He finished with three tackles and a pass breakup this season.
Over his five years at Ohio State, Friday – a native of Ramsey, N.J. – played in 31 games, totaling 21 tackles – four for loss – to go with three sacks and a pass breakup. He missed his senior season with an injury after tallying four starts in his sophomore season.
Gaoteote wasn’t in Columbus for quite as long as Friday but still made an impact in his two seasons for the Buckeyes. He totaled 18 tackles and half a sack in 19 games for Ohio State, and for his career – including three seasons at USC prior to transferring to Ohio State – he totaled 123 tackles (nine for loss) with 2.5 sacks in 39 games. Gaoteote was also a significant contributor on special teams.
