A pair of Buckeyes had their black stripes removed on Friday, signifying their fully-accredited membership onto the Ohio State football team.
The annual rite of passage is more symbolism than a hard-and-fast rule, but no Buckeye wants to have that black stripe on his practice helmet any longer than he needs to.
On Friday, it was a pair of second-year players who were finally free of the scarlet letter of the black stripe.
Defensive lineman Aaron Cox was the first to have his stripe removed, followed by receiver De’Shawn White. Both players walked onto the team prior to the 2017 season.
Cox attended Crestwood High School in Mantua, Ohio, which is a small town by Cleveland. He joined the Ohio State football program as a preferred walk-on last year.
White was an accomplished track athlete at Canton McKinley. He entered Ohio State on a full academic scholarship and walked on last season as well.
You can see their respective removal videos below.
Aaron Cox
?◼️ Congrats to @_aaroncox for losing that black stripe! #GoBucks pic.twitter.com/KPof1xgnYf
— Ohio State Football (@OhioStateFB) March 30, 2018
De’Shawn White
?◼️ What's good Lil Uzi Squirt @23toofast… Get that black stripe off!#GoBucks pic.twitter.com/kk0yfj4Qhb
— Ohio State Football (@OhioStateFB) March 30, 2018
Black Stripe Chart
March 30 – DL Aaron Cox
March 30 – WR De’Shawn White
Way to go guys. It can be tough to get that dreaded black stripe removed……..now imagine how tough it is for walk-ons to get that job done.
WELL DONE!