Buckeyes freshman safety Jaylen McClain sheds black stripe
COLUMBUS — Ohio State freshman safety Jaylen McClain, an early standout during the first few days of training camp, shed his black stripe after Buckeyes practice on Wednesday. That stripe removal signals that he’s officially a member of the football program and has been wowing coaches in practice.
McClain had already impressed in bursts during spring ball back in March and April. But he carried that into the offseason that was filled with workouts and now has continued to be a factor early in training camp.
Lettermen Row even noted McClain in each of our ‘observation notebooks’ when we were permitted to watch Buckeyes practice last weekend. He caught our staff’s eye in each session.
From Friday…
+ Jaylen McClain had a great day — despite allowing that touchdown on the final play. He had a fantastic pass breakup on a throw intended for Brandon Inniss in the middle of the field and another on a Will Howard throw, which was a good pass. McClain just got a hand on it. Lettermen Row was impressed by the freshman safety.
From Saturday…
+ Freshman safety Jaylen McClain is as fearless of a freshman safety as I can remember. Just a contact magnet.
From Sunday…
+ Freshman safety Jaylen McClain keeps flashing. He is as fearless of a freshman defensive back as we’ve seen at Ohio State, and he flies to the football. McClain is one to keep in mind moving forward.
That has all pushed McClain into the conversation to add depth to a talented, but thin safety room.
McClain was the No. 338 overall player in the country according to the On3 Industry Ranking. He was listed as the No. 33 safety and No. 6 player in the state of New Jersey.
