Saturday was the final scrimmage of fall camp for the Ohio State football team. In fact, camp is now considered over for the Buckeyes and game preparation is in full bloom. Following the wrap of camp, three more Ohio State freshmen had their black stripes removed.
Safety Brendon White, offensive guard Wyatt Davis, and quarterback Tate Martell became the ninth, tenth, and eleventh Buckeye freshmen to be formally welcomed to the team. Both White and Martell were enrolled early and participated in spring football for Ohio State
White began his Buckeye career as a linebacker, but was moved to receiver prior to spring ball. During the summer, however, he was moved to safety. Clearly, despite the musical chairs, White never missed a beat. Or a seat.
Well deserved Brendon!!! pic.twitter.com/e1FyuLWK28
— Urban Meyer (@OSUCoachMeyer) August 20, 2017
Martell, nicknamed “Chuck” in the winter by strength coach Mickey Marotti, has already earned raves as a playmaker for the Buckeyes. Urban Meyer even called him a weapon, and his teammates have been surprised by what he has been able to do.
“Tate is more quick than I thought he was out there,” said quarterback J.T. Barrett. “He’s kind of like a sneaky quick. He makes cuts and makes people miss. It didn’t look very fast, but he makes them miss. That’s how electrifying he can be back there, but also too with him I think he does a good job of finding escape hatches just being creative. He’s not the tallest guy, but to say that he is able to move around in the pocket, that’s a real thing.”
Proud of the work you've put in Tate! pic.twitter.com/qy6ksLHvQR
— Urban Meyer (@OSUCoachMeyer) August 20, 2017
Davis didn’t get to Ohio State until the summer, but he came with plenty of expectations. A 5-star prospect in high school, Davis was the nation’s top offensive guard prospect in the 2017 class. Davis is the second freshman on the offensive line to have his stripe removed, joining tackle Thayer Munford.
Keep grinding Wyatt!!! pic.twitter.com/qAjcdMFLSb
— Urban Meyer (@OSUCoachMeyer) August 20, 2017
Offensive line coach Greg Studrawa said recently that both Davis and Munford are in the two-deep mix.
“No question,” he said. “Him and Thayer are coming in here, we’re throwing things in and every day something new is in, the defense puts another defense in, another thing in. Every day things pile on those two kids, but they’re handling it wonderful right now. And like i told them, just go hard. Learn to go hard first, we’ll figure out the rest later.”
Black Stripe Chart
Kendall Sheffield, CB — 3/28
Brendon White, SAF — 8/19
Wyatt Davis, OG — 8/19
Tate Martell, QB — 8/19
Looks like Josh Myers may turn into the next Connor Smith. Former 5-star big guy from Southwest Ohio that just can’t compete at the college level for some reason.
Gotta give him time. I’ll have a note on him in today’s Notebook for you. Keep a look out.
He hasn’t even played his freshman season yet, and you’re already labeling him a bust? WOW