With offensive tackle Ryan Jacoby as one of Ohio State’s two four-star signees in the 2019 recruiting class from Mentor, Ohio, defensive end Noah Potter came to Columbus for early enrollment Jan. 7 as he jumpstarts his Buckeyes career.
Between the first few months on campus from winter workouts Jan. 17 through March 2 to spring camp underway since last Wednesday, Potter was one of the seven January enrollees OSU made available to the media Feb. 6.
While the team is two practices into March drills, Potter previewed his journey with the Buckeyes when he fielded questions from BSB on National Signing Day in February.
Among other topics, Potter reflects on the decision three months ago to stick with Ohio State and why he feels his future opposite of Lewis Center (Ohio) Olentangy Orange five-star defensive end Zach Harrison has potential for damage in the Big Ten.
Noah Potter
On the overall transition to Ohio State for early enrollment…
“I’ve adjusted well, they’ve really embraced me and they haven’t treated me like a freshman. They’ve treated me just like as any other player — especially (junior defensive end) Chase Young, (senior defensive tackle Robert) ‘B.B.’ Landers, (senior defensive end) Jonathon Cooper. They’ve all been really helping me out.”
On the move from Mentor to Columbus with high school teammate Jacoby…
“It’s been good, having a guy you’ve known for a while going through the same thing as you. So we weren’t really the closest friends in high school, but we were friends and it’s just been helpful having a guy going with the same thing as you are.”
On the entrance to defensive end from the 2019 class with Harrison…
“Me and Zach, we’re going to wreck some offensive tackles for the next couple of years. I was excited because he’s a great player. Just me and him together, we’re going to do some damage.”
On the chance to compete and crack the rotation of defensive linemen after the 2018 class did so…
“That was not one of the motivating factors, but I thought coming in early would help me get a head start. And I know what I can do, and I’m not scared. I’m ready for the competition. I’m ready to show what I can do.”
On the decision to sign with new head coach Ryan Day and defensive line coach Larry Johnson despite the retirement of former head coach Urban Meyer…
“So I had the in-home (visit) the day after Coach Meyer announced it and I was kind of nervous, like, ‘What’s going to happen?’ And when Coach Day and Coach J said that Coach Johnson’s staying, he’s not going anywhere, I was fine after that.”
On the physical transformation since early enrollment started and offseason goals…
“I’m 6-5, 255 pounds right now. Coach J said he wants me at 265 before the season. So just taking me slowly along, just trying to get me stronger.”
