The Ohio State football team grew by two more official members, as freshman offensive lineman Ryan Jacoby and freshman running back Marcus Crowley had their black stripes removed following practice on Monday.
They became the fifth and sixth true freshmen to have their black stripes removed this year, joining receiver Garrett Wilson, defensive end Zach Harrison, receiver Jameson Williams, and center Harry Miller.
Both Jacoby and Crowley were early enrollees and went through spring football for the Buckeyes. They received frequent praise back in the spring, and it is clear their upward trajectory has continued into fall camp.
Jacoby is from Mentor, Ohio, where he was a 4-star prospect. He was a tackle in high school, but has been playing guard for the Buckeyes. He has the ability to play either spot, giving offensive line coach Greg Studrawa some flexibility down the line.
Studrawa recently mentioned how much he likes his freshmen, but was a bit bummed that he was having difficulty getting them reps because of how deep his room has gotten.
You can see the video of Jacoby getting his black stripe removed below.
Marcus Crowley has had a very good camp for the Buckeyes. He is currently competing with Demario McCall and Steele Chambers to be JK Dobbins’ backup. Redshirt freshman Master Teague has been injured, which has allowed Crowley even more reps, which he has made the most of.
Crowley is a tough runner who was a big-play back for his Trinity Christian Academy football team in Jacksonville, Florida last season. He was a 4-star signee who didn’t really show up on Ohio State’s hard-target radar until October. He was committed to the Miami Hurricanes at the time.
Crowley attended the same high school as current Buckeye defensive backs Shaun Wade and Tyreke Johnson.
Despite being an under-the-radar recruit, Crowley was the Gatorade Player of the Year in the state of Florida.
🚫▪️He's tough as nails. @Ryan_Jacoby got his stripe off today‼️#GoBucks #ToughLove pic.twitter.com/V1TGyf6oYO
— Ohio State Football (@OhioStateFB) August 12, 2019
🚫▪️He goes hard for #ToteNation and the team. Congrats @marcus_2334 on getting your stripe off‼️#GoBucks #ToughLove pic.twitter.com/rkaNqSdOmy
— Ohio State Football (@OhioStateFB) August 12, 2019
Black Stripe Chart
WR Jameson Williams — August 8
OL Ryan Jacoby — August 12
RB Marcus Crowley — August 12
It would be huge if Crowley or Chambers turned out to be a diamond in the rough…we need another bell cow RB.