Black Stripe alert: Chris Olave adds depth to Ohio State receiving corps
COLUMBUS — Ohio State’s talented freshmen have picked up right where they left off heading into another week of training camp. And now Chris Olave has added even more depth to a loaded unit of wide receivers.
The Buckeyes were back on the practice field on Monday morning, and when it was over, Olave had officially earned the right to represent the program. The black stripe on his helmet was removed, and the newcomer from San Diego was ceremonially welcomed to the active roster for Ohio State.
The path to playing time on Zone 6 still isn’t going to be easy with the entire depth chart returning intact from last season. But now interim wide receivers coach Brian Hartline can at least start considering ways to get Olave involved in that rotation.
Ohio State freshman Chris Olave is already turning heads at wide receiver. (Birm/Lettermen Row)
“Literally the entire team was telling me about this guy,” director of player development Ryan Stamper said in a school-issued video. “Today is finally the day.
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“He comes out here and busts his butt. Mr. Smooth, all the way from [California.]”
Earning a nickname right along with having the black stripe removed are clearly positive developments for Olave. And even if cracking a rotation well-stocked with veterans could still be a challenge, it at least bodes well for the future of Zone 6, since roster turnover is definitely coming after the season.
Maybe knocking guys like Johnnie Dixon, Parris Campbell, Terry McLaurin or K.J. Hill out of the lineup this season is hard to imagine at this point. But three of them will definitely be gone after the year is over, and Hill might be heading off to the NFL Draft as well, which makes it imperative that young guys like Olave are poised to step into that void when it’s time for the next wave.
Chris Olave, clearly, is now on his way for Ohio State.
⬛️🚨 This guy has been killing it. Long overdue. @chrisolave_ get that black stripe off ‼️#WinTheMoment #GoBucks pic.twitter.com/dYXkuTifFj
— Ohio State Football (@OhioStateFB) August 13, 2018