Skip to main content
Ohio State

Black Stripe alert: Tyreke Smith, Jeremy Ruckert, Master Teague ready to represent Ohio State

Austin-Wardby: AustinWard_08/18/18AWardSports
Tyreke Smith family black stripe

COLUMBUS — Even after some key departures at the end of last season, don’t expect any drop-off from the Rushmen at Ohio State. With newcomers like Tyreke Smith already making a splash, the depth of the defensive line might be as strong as ever.

The Buckeyes officially welcomed one more freshmen to their ranks as a player ready to represent the program, peeling the black stripe off the helmet of Smith on Saturday morning during the last training-camp workout of August. The 4-star defensive end from Cleveland has made an impression on the Buckeyes with his impressive physical tools after enrolling at 6-foot-3, 260 pounds. But he’s also won over the coaching now with his work ethic, and Smith looks like he can potentially inject himself into the Rushmen rotation early in his career.

Ohio State-Tyreke Smith-Ohio State Buckeyes-Ohio State football-Tyreke Smith recruiting rankings

Tyreke Smith is now officially ready to represent Ohio State. (Birm/Lettermen Row)

Considering how much production the Buckeyes lost with Sam Hubbard, Tyquan Lewis and Jalyn Holmes now gone, it’s a boost to have Smith come in poised to play a role. And since Ohio State already has Nick Bosa, Chase Young and Jonathon Cooper around at defensive end, that extra help could push the unit over the top as one of the deepest and most talented in the nation.

“We’re really impressed with the young freshmen,” acting Ohio State coach Ryan Day said in his training-camp letter. “There are some individuals in that freshman class who are positioning themselves to play this fall.

“Depth at this position group might be the strongest on the team.”

Tyreke Smith is a key part of that abundance of talent, and he can now be considered one of those newcomers in line for a role this season.

Just on the defensive line, he joins tackles Tommy Togiai and Taron Vincent to have gone through the ceremonial process of having the black stripe removed. And position coach Larry Johnson should once again be able to substitute freely up front as he’s done over the last couple years in an effort to keep the Rushmen fresh, healthy — and dangerous.

UPDATE: Ohio State also peeled the black stripes off a pair of offensive helmets following the scrimmage.

Tight end Jeremy Ruckert, the nation’s top-ranked recruit at the position, was given the honor on Saturday morning. Ruckert has already looked like a potential option to help as a target for the passing game.

And running back Master Teague is now cleared to bolster the depth for a loaded ground attack. Teague made an impression after enrolling early for spring practice, and he’s built on that momentum so far in August.