Watch: Two More Ohio State Freshmen Have Black Stripes Removed

Tony Gerdeman

9 years ago

Ellijah Gardiner Amir Riep Black Stripes Ohio State Football

Following practice on Monday, two more Ohio State Buckeyes were officially welcomed to the team by having the black stripes removed. Freshman cornerback Amir Riep and freshman wide receiver Ellijah Gardiner became the 15th and 16th freshmen to be de-striped this year.

Amir Riep came to Ohio State as a four-year starter from Cincinnati Colerain. He was a 4-star prospect who earned Second-Team All-State honors from the Associated Press.

Riep did not enroll early, which put him behind the four other newcomers at cornerback, but he has gained ground throughout camp due to his persistence.

Gardiner, meanwhile, almost wasn’t a Buckeye. He received a late offer when Ohio State had a receiver decommit. An all-points bulletin was put out for a receiver, and the OSU staff landed on Gardiner’s tape and they liked what they saw out of the Texan.

It didn’t take the staff long after getting to know Gardiner to realize that he was the kind of person that they wanted in this class.

Gardiner was a 3-star prospect, and has the size (6-4 200) and the speed to be an intriguing prospect down the road. He was ranked the No. 133 receiver nationally by ESPN.