Ohio State Defensive Tackle Tywone Malone Sheds Black Stripe

Ohio State defensive tackle Tywone Malone became the latest Buckeye to shed his black stripe on Saturday, doing so following Ohio State’s first scrimmage of the preseason.

Malone transferred to Ohio State this offseason after two seasons at Ole Miss, and he has already made a strong impression thus far, working his way into the Buckeyes’ defensive rotation through the early stages of fall camp.

“He’s got game experience,” Ohio State defensive coordinator Jim Knowles said. “He’s got toughness, he’s got savvy. He’s just someone you feel comfortable with right away. He can handle things — and the physicality, too.”

Malone was the second Buckeye on Saturday to shed his black stripe, along with freshman offensive lineman Luke Montgomery. Also within the last week, transfer offensive linemen Victor Cutler Jr. and Josh Simmons shed their black stripes to become “official” members of the team.