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Offensive lineman Thayer Munford has earned the Block O jersey honor for Ohio State this year, though he won't wear No. 0 because of uniform number rules. The Buckeyes established the Block O uniform tradition last year. Defensive end Jonathon Cooper was the first recipient and proudly wore No. 0 as his uniform number. The award is a tribute to Buckeye legend Bill Willis for his toughness, accountability and character.

Munford, who wears No. 75, can't wear No. 0 because offensive linemen must wear jerseys with numbers 50-79. Munford will instead wear a special patch that will read, "Block 0 Recipient." "It's a blessing to be out here," Munford said after practice Saturday, according to an OSU news release. "I love this team and will do everything I can to uphold the tradition of what the Block O means in our program." Munford will be a four-year starter in 2021. He turned down a chance to enter the NFL draft to return for the extra year of eligibility offered by the NCAA because of COVID-19. At the time, he said he did it primarily to finish his degree, which the sport industry major earned in June. "The Block O is a badge of honor in our program," coach Ryan Day said. "It represents everything that is important to us - fighting to be elite in all that we do. It's also about accountability and a blue-collar personality. When I think of Thayer Munford, that's what comes to mind." - Columbus Dispatch

(DS#15 OT) rSr/2022

OT Thayer Munford, Ohio State
News Source: Columbus Dispatch
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08/27/21 - *C.J. Stroud, rSo/2023, Ohio State, 6-3, 214 (DS#1 QB) + More +

When Ohio State wide receiver Garrett Wilson thinks of a comparison to C.J. Stroud, the Buckeyes' newly named starting quarterback, he turns to the NFL, bringing up Russell Wilson, the Seattle Seahawks' signal caller who puts touch on many of his deep throws. "Just the way the ball lands, like falls on a receiver," Wilson said, "You can choose how to play those type of balls. You can let it fall over your shoulder or go up at a high point, depending on which gives you the best chance to make a play. You love having someone who drops the ball on you versus not being able to react as much." A few days after Stroud was named the team's starting quarterback for the upcoming season, prevailing in a preseason competition between Kyle McCord and Jack Miller, he received glowing praise from the receivers who will be on the other end of his passes.

All of them raved about his ball placement, one of the qualities that could allow the redshirt freshman from California to successfully replace Justin Fields behind center despite the lack of college experience. He did not attempt a pass in a game as a backup last fall. "His arm talent is off the charts," said Chris Olave, the preseason All-American who forms a premier pass-catching tandem with Wilson. "He's going to put the ball wherever we need it." - Columbus Dispatch

(DS#1 QB) rSo/2023

QB *C.J. Stroud, Ohio State
News Source: Columbus Dispatch
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08/27/21 - Tristan Gebbia, rSr/2024, Ohio State, 6-1, 210 (DS#999 QB) + More +

It appears a decision on who will start at quarterback for Oregon State in the season opener at Purdue two Saturdays from now could be put off until game week. One of the primary candidates for the spot, Tristan Gebbia, who started the first four games for the Beavers last season, has been sidelined at practice since last week with a sore hamstring. How long he'll be out is still uncertain.

That's left coach Jonathan Smith and his staff carefully weighing their options. "We talked about Tristan, giving him a couple days to try to get that thing feeling better and he's still yet to do in regards to feeling like he can go full speed," Smith said Tuesday as he met with the media after practice, the team's 16th of fall camp. "He's getting a little light work, but we're really taking that day to day. He's not ready for prime time, so we've got to work with those other guys." Those others are graduate transfer Sam Noyer, Chance Nolan, a second-year player in the program who played in relief of Gebbia in 2020, and true freshman Sam Vidlak. - Gazette Times

(DS#999 QB) rSr/2024

QB Tristan Gebbia, Ohio State
News Source: Gazette Times
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08/25/21 - Kourt Williams II, rSr/2025, Ohio State, 6-1, 228 (DS#999 OLB) + More +

Kourt Williams hasn't played a snap in an Ohio State game, yet the redshirt freshman safety has already earned higher praise than most players earn in their career. "Kourt Williams is the most diligent worker that I have been around anywhere, anytime, anyplace," defensive coordinator Kerry Coombs said. "This kid is the first guy in the building every day. He's the last guy to leave." It's unclear what Williams' role will be this year. He's one of several talented young players jockeying for playing time in the Buckeyes' secondary.

Soon after his arrival last January as a four-star recruit from St. John Bosco High School in California, Williams drew praise. Coach Ryan Day mentioned him as a potential future captain last year. But any hope of making a splash in 2020 ended when he tore an ACL during training camp. As devastating as it was, Williams now considers the injury a blessing in disguise. "Probably one of the best things that could have happened to me," Williams said Monday. "I've always been a hard worker, but honestly, I can say that the injury really took it took it to the next level." - Columbus Dispatch

(DS#999 OLB) rSr/2025

OLB Kourt Williams II, Ohio State
News Source: Columbus Dispatch
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08/25/21 - *C.J. Stroud, rSo/2023, Ohio State, 6-3, 214 (DS#1 QB) + More +

Twenty-three months after he was a late offer in the Class of 2020, C.J. Stroud will start at quarterback for the Ohio State Buckeyes in their 2021 opener at Minnesota on Sept. 2. Less than a week after head coach Ryan Day said that Stroud had separated himself in the race with Kyle McCord and Jack Miller to replace Justin Fields, the OSU head coach made the announcement official on Saturday.

It was both expected -- Stroud was Fields' backup last season, entered spring football at the front of the pack, and maintained that status every step of the way this August -- and also a remarkable rise for a recruit who jumped into the top of his class in the summer between his junior and senior seasons. "The body of work between the spring, and then also through preseason, he separated himself with his decision-making, his leadership skills, his accuracy," Day said. "I'm excited about what I've seen in camp. There's been a lot of flashes of really good quarterback play...I'm excited about what we've seen for sure. He's shown us all the things that we need to see to be ready to go play Minnesota." Stroud was offered by the Buckeyes in October 2019 after impressing at the Elite 11 recruiting camp in June, when Stroud was still viewed as a three-star recruit. He wound up as nearly a five-star, ranked in the end as the No. 42 recruit and No. 3 QB in the Class of 2020 by 247sports.com. - Cleveland Plain Dealer

(DS#1 QB) rSo/2023

QB *C.J. Stroud, Ohio State
News Source: Cleveland Plain Dealer
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08/25/21 - Master Teague III, rJr/2022, Ohio State, 5-11, 221 (DS#23 RB) + More +

As much as his clean bill of health has allowed him to jockey with freshmen TreVeyon Henderson and Miyan Williams for carries in the upcoming season, it's also put him in a better position to find success on the field after rushing for 514 yards and eight touchdowns in seven games last fall. Known as a physical downhill runner over his first three seasons at Ohio State, Teague sees an opportunity to become a more balanced back as a fourth-year junior. He said that additional carries in practice have given opportunities to improve his vision, where he can spot openings in a defense, cut and change direction instead of just steamrolling down the field.

"Not being so one-dimensional to one side," Teague said. "There's some times where I've missed some cuts on the backside this past year, so I've got to make sure my eyes are in the right place and reading the d-line right. I've gotten really better on that with certain runs." The effort caught the attention of running backs coach Tony Alford in a recent film review with his players. He noticed a sequence from practice in which Teague set up a linebacker before cutting in another direction, spotting an opening on the field. "He wouldn't have seen that before," Alford said. "A lot of it goes back to that patience of understanding schematically where things are going and the timing of pushing a guy." If Teague's vision is enhanced, leading to some shiftiness, he should be a more productive runner and remain at the top of the pecking order at running back. "It's going to help his whole game immensely," Alford said. - Columbus Dispatch

(DS#23 RB) rJr/2022

RB Master Teague III, Ohio State
News Source: Columbus Dispatch
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08/25/21 - Haskell Garrett, rSr/2022, Ohio State, 6-2, 300 (DS#16 DT) + More +

Heartland BancCorp has struck marketing deals with two of Ohio State University's biggest stars under new rules that allow college athletes to profit from their names, Images and likenesses. Football defensive tackle Haskell Garrett and basketball forward E.J. Liddell will be promoting the Whitehall-based bank's campaign called "Relationships Matter: Bank on Community Banking" that touts the advantages of community banks.

They are the first athletes the bank has signed since athletes became allowed to do such deals this summer. "It's the Wild West right now. All kinds of folks are doing it for different reasons, different causes," said G. Scott McComb, the bank's chairman, president and CEO. The bank, already an Ohio State sponsor, plans to use Garrett and Liddell in social media, television and radio advertising, as well as personal appearances at high schools and community and business events, he said. Social media will begin immediately while it may take a couple of weeks before the two start appearing on other platforms, he said. Terms of the deals were not disclosed. - Columbus Dispatch

(DS#16 DT) rSr/2022

DT Haskell Garrett, Ohio State
News Source: Columbus Dispatch
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08/24/21 - Roen McCullough, Sr/2022, Ohio State, 6-0, 230 (DS#999 LS) + More +

Ohio State football will enter the season with no experienced depth at long snapper. As first reported by Bucknuts, Roen McCullough is no longer with the program. An Ohio State spokesperson said the junior from nearby Worthington Kilbourne suffered "a pre-camp injury unrelated to football" and quit the team. McCullough later posted on Twitter that he has medically retired from football. He said after being diagnosed with a "rare heart condition" in late 2020 he was cleared to return for the spring game. He played linebacker that day due to Ohio State's lack of numbers at the position. - Cleveland Plain Dealer

(DS#999 LS) Sr/2022

LS Roen McCullough, Ohio State
News Source: Cleveland Plain Dealer
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08/23/21 - Taron Vincent, rSr/2023, Ohio State, 6-1, 304 (DS#32 DT) + More +

Taron Vincent believes his time is now. Ranked as the top defensive tackle by 247Sports in the 2018 recruiting class, the junior has had his career hampered by injuries. A shoulder injury derailed his 2019 season and carried over to last year. But now he's healthy and seemingly poised for a breakout season. "I'm back to my regular self," Vincent said. "I was the No. 1 D-tackle for a reason. I'm finally healthy. I'm ready to compete and go to work with my guys. My body feels great and my mind feels great." He said he turned the corner physically late last season. Vincent drew praise from coach Ryan Day during spring practice and has continued that momentum. "Taron Vincent has really had a great camp," defensive line coach Larry Johnson said.

Vincent is part of a deep group of interior linemen for the Buckeyes. Haskell Garrett is a preseason All-American based on his breakthrough 2020 season. Antwaun Jackson and Jerron Cage are the other veterans, and several young players are pushing to join the rotation. But Vincent could be a difference-maker if he stays healthy. Johnson has his interior linemen training to play both nose guard and the three-technique tackle. Garrett said a duo with him and Vincent in the middle of the defensive line could be "very special." "I think we're a crazy duo," Vincent said. "He's my guy. We know how to play off each other, so it'd be great." Vincent, listed at 6 feet 2 and 305 pounds, is the son of former five-time NFL Pro Bowl defensive back Troy Vincent. He credits his mother's side of the family for his size. But his father's guidance has been instrumental to his football development. It has also been crucial in helping him cope with injuries. - Columbus Dispatch

(DS#32 DT) rSr/2023

DT Taron Vincent, Ohio State
News Source: Columbus Dispatch
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08/22/21 - Chris Olave, Sr/2022, Ohio State, 6-1, 185 (DS#3 WR) + More +

Ohio State announced Friday night that it will have six captains for the 2021 football season. Offensive lineman Thayer Munford, wide receivers Chris Olave and Kamryn Babb, linebacker Teradja Mitchell, defensive tackle Haskell Garrett and defensive end Zach Harrison have earned that distinction. All are first-time captains. All are seniors except for Babb and Harrison. Babb is the biggest surprise because injuries have kept him off the field for most of his career.

Munford is considered the leader of the offensive line, as is Olave for the receivers. Mitchell is poised to become a first-time starter after biding his time behind a veteran group of linebackers. Garrett overcame being a near-tragedy when he was shot last summer to have a breakthrough 2020 season. Like Olave, he surprised some by returning for his senior season. - Columbus Dispatch

(DS#3 WR) Sr/2022

WR Chris Olave, Ohio State
News Source: Columbus Dispatch
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08/17/21 - JT Tuimoloau, Sr/2025, Ohio State, 6-4, 265 (DS#7 DE) + More +

Ohio State head coach Ryan Day has been very impressed "with the tremendous attention to detail" of defensive end J.T. Tuimoloau during fall camp. J.T. Tuimoloau's offseason program at Ohio State has been condensed. Unlike other freshmen who enrolled in January ahead of spring practice or at the start of the summer semester, the coveted defensive end prospect didn't arrive until last month. It was the result of a prolonged recruitment. Tuimoloau held off until the Fourth of July before settling on a college destination, affording him the chance to visit schools in June after the NCAA lifted a recruiting dead period that had been in place since the onset of the coronavirus pandemic.

Despite the late start, Tuimoloau has impressed the Buckeyes' coaching staff through the first five practices of preseason training camp. Coach Ryan Day said he has received a lot of positive feedback from defensive line coach Larry Johnson and others who have been in meetings with him. "Also, what I see on the field is tremendous attention to detail," Day said. "Very conscientious, takes a lot of notes, can take a meeting to the field in short order, and so because of that, he's made up a lot of ground in a very short amount of time." - Columbus Dispatch

(DS#7 DE) Sr/2025

DE JT Tuimoloau, Ohio State
News Source: Columbus Dispatch
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08/17/21 - Jack Sawyer, Sr/2025, Ohio State, 6-4, 260 (DS#6 DE) + More +

Rated by some as the top high school football player in the country, and that's even though he sat out his senior season in the Columbus suburb of Pickerington because of the pandemic. Committed to the Buckeyes during his sophomore season, Sawyer is a 6-foot-5 pass rusher who has added 30 pounds since arriving on campus, defensive line coach Larry Johnson said. "Expectations are very high because he's a local guy, but I think he still has to get on the field and play," Johnson said. "He hasn't played football in almost a year and a half now, and spring football doesn't really count." - AP College Football

(DS#6 DE) Sr/2025

DE Jack Sawyer, Ohio State
News Source: AP College Football
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08/15/21 - DeMario McCall, rSr/2022, Ohio State, 5-09, 179 (DS#74 CB) + More +

Demario McCall was tempted to leave. Honestly, who would have blamed him? For five years, he bounced from running back to receiver at Ohio State without finding a true niche. Last year, he caught one pass and had one carry. His primary role was kickoff returner. Most of the time, that meant calling for a fair catch. "It was very frustrating," McCall said. "Very frustrating." When the NCAA granted players an extra year of eligibility because of COVID-19, McCall seemed an unlikely candidate to return. He had, after all, graduated this spring. Yet here McCall is, back for a final year. "To be honest, nobody wants to be here for six years," he said Friday. "But we've all got different routes. God has a plan for all of us. So this is the plan. He's driving and I'm with Him." The latest route is a detour. McCall has switched positions to cornerback. "It was actually my idea," he said. "For my last go-round, I wanted to try something different and go for it and give it my all." - Columbus Dispatch

(DS#74 CB) rSr/2022

CB DeMario McCall, Ohio State
News Source: Columbus Dispatch
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08/15/21 - Tristan Gebbia, rSr/2024, Ohio State, 6-1, 210 (DS#999 QB) + More +

Eight months after hamstring surgery, there was reason to wonder how loose and mobile Tristan Gebbia might be during Oregon State's preseason football camp. The fifth-year junior showed his mobility Friday, smoothly running through scramble and roll-out drills during the Beavers' opening practice. There's no one looser in camp. While the media was interviewing linebacker Jack Colletto on Saturday, Gebbia stood within eyesight trying to distract his teammate with a variety of unartful dance moves. "Tristan, could you stop?" Colletto said to his playful teammate. Gebbia has worked his way back from the gruesome hamstring injury, sustained during the final minutes of a 41-38 win over Oregon on Nov. 27, to arguably the quarterback to beat for Oregon State's starting job. It's been a painstaking process for Gebbia, who said it wasn't until mid-July that he was able to throw and run normally during workouts.

"I don't feel like I missed a step out here. It might as well be Nov. 30 and I didn't get injured, in my book," Gebbia said. The proof comes this week, as the Beavers put on pads for practice and competition intensifies. But at a minimum, Gebbia - who started OSU's first four games last season - is in the hunt to start the season opener Sept. 4 at Purdue. Offensive coordinator Brian Lindgren believes Gebbia is close to his old form, saying "you can tell he's put in the work as far as the rehab goes. I anticipate by (Purdue) that he'll be ready to go." - The Oregonian

(DS#999 QB) rSr/2024

QB Tristan Gebbia, Ohio State
News Source: The Oregonian
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08/12/21 - Cameron Brown, rSr/2023, Ohio State, 6-0, 199 (DS#27 CB) + More +

Cam Brown finally heard a familiar sound again Friday - his name echoing across Ohio State football's practice fields at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center. The junior cornerback heard it twice, actually, after back-to-back pass breakups during the third practice of preseason camp. Those moments must have seemed long overdue for Brown, who only recently returned to full participation. "It's definitely a confidence boost, to hear your name yelled and your teammates are excited for you," Brown said. "Now you're in a rhythm and you just keep going." Brown tore an Achilles tendon in the second game of last season. That injury depleted OSU's veteran depth at a position where it desperately needed some. It also cost Brown his job as nickel back - something he had fought for and won through a trying offseason complicated by the coronavirus pandemic.

It appears, though, that Brown is back in both mind and body. As much as Ohio State needed him last season, it arguably needs him even more now. Brown could open the season starting at outside cornerback opposite Sevyn Banks. Their veteran presence is crucial to a secondary that underwhelmed in 2020 despite the Buckeyes' run to the national championship game. How essential could a healthy Brown be for Ohio State in 2021? Defensive coordinator Kerry Coombs said, "It means everything." "He was playing really well, so it was it was a heartbreaking injury for him," Coombs said. "He worked hard to rehab it. Found himself in a good spot right now. "We are going to be careful. We are going to be cautious. We should be. But at the same time, he's got to knock the rust off, and he's got to get ready to play. But he's fast, he's twitchy, and he's gonna go out there and compete." - Cleveland Plain Dealer

(DS#27 CB) rSr/2023

CB Cameron Brown, Ohio State
News Source: Cleveland Plain Dealer
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