Trio Of Freshmen Buckeyes Shed Black Stripes After Ohio State’s Final Fall Camp Practice

Ohio State completed fall camp Saturday on the outdoor turf fields at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center, where three freshmen shed their black stripes.

The trio of defensive end Tyreke Smith, running back Master Teague and tight end Jeremy Ruckert officially joined the Buckeyes after their 14th practice and second scrimmage.

Smith’s mother took to Twitter and broke the news of her son’s accomplishment. OSU’s account also recognized Smith along with Teague and Ruckert when it posted videos of each moment.

As he always does, Director of player development Ryan Stamper individually acknowledged them before they briefly addressed the team.

“First guy finished practice strong, man,” Stamper said. “I think he had like three sacks to end practice. Out of the ‘rushmen,’ Tyreke Smith, get up here.”

Smith thanked the defensive linemen and position coach Larry Johnson.

“I just want to thank the D-line unit,” the 6-4, 255-pound Smith said. “Everybody in the meeting, all the questions I ask — they are helping me. Coach Johnson … shoot, you helped me, the rest of the coaching staff. Go Bucks.”

Teague was next to go.

“The next guy, we had to see some burst from this guy,” Stamper said. “He had two great days, burst and run hard. Master Teague, get up here.”

Teague acknowledged his position group and running backs coach Tony Alford.

“I’d like to thank my running back unit, big brother, Coach Alford,” the 5-11, 215-pound Teague said. “This is great, but I know I got to keep working. Go Bucks.”

Ruckert wrapped it up.

“Last but not least, we wanted to see some toughness from this guy — I think we’ve finally seen it,” Stamper said. “Out of the tight end room, Jeremy Ruckert.”

Ruckert expressed collective gratitude for the program, particularly assistant tight ends coach Trey Holtz.

“Shout out tight end unit,” the 6-5, 240-pound Ruckert said. “Trey, every morning, going over the installs with me. The rest of you guys, trying to make me tougher. Shout out everybody. Go Bucks.”

Smith, Teague and Ruckert make for eight freshmen to have had their black stripes removed during Ohio State’s 14 days of fall camp.

They joined wide receiver Chris Olave, running back Brian Snead, defensive tackle Taron Vincent, linebacker Teradja Mitchell and linebacker Dallas Gant. as the fellow rookies to do so in August.

Defensive tackle Tommy Togiai shed his black stripe during spring camp in March.

Senior tight end Tate Duarte, sophomore quarterback Kory Curtis and junior running back Amari McMahon were the three walk-on Buckeyes to also achieve the feat.

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